2013 NFL Draft

Prior to the season, I predict where each team will end up and then modify my mock draft each week during the season based on the results.

1. Cleveland Browns (3-13) - Robert Woods (WR/USC)



In the end, the Browns decided to instead try to replace Colt McCoy instead of building weapons around him. While Trent Richardson was a smart selection, Brandon Weeden will still have nobody to throw to.

Lucking for Cleveland, Robert Woods is a top-three prospect this year after catching 111 passes for 15 touchdowns last year for the Trojans. If the Browns are picking first overall, wide receiver most likely will not be a lock. They also need to improve their pass rush and Matt Barkley could even be a possibility if Weeden does flop.

2. Buffalo Bills (4-12) - Matt Barkley (QB/USC)



Almost immediately after giving Ryan Fitzpatrick a six-year extension, the Bills seem to have regretted the decision. If they are picking this high in the 2013 Draft, they will get rid of him.

Barkley can easily go first overall and he probably would have been the second overall pick in 2012 had he decided not to stay at USC. Barkley completed 69.1-percent of his passes in 2011 with 39 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.

3. Indianapolis Colts (4-12) - Sam Montgomery (DE/LSU)



From an early perspective, Andrew Luck could have a similar beginning to his career as Peyton Manning did. He is the star on a relative dim offense (minus the aging Reggie Wayne) and their top players are all getting older.

When Manning was drafted by Indianapolis, he rejuvenated the offense, but the defense could not keep up. The Colts replied by adding Dwight Freeney to bolster their pass rush. Let me introduce you to this era's Dwight Freeney.

Montgomery had nine sacks for the Tigers last season and could spend his first season rotating with Mathis and Freeney, gaining experience before he ultimately replaces them.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) - D.J. Fluker (OT/Alabama)



New head coach Greg Schiano will continue to overhaul this roster and beging to get "his guys" in. Schiano will want more athletic players on the offensive line and the overweight Donald Penn could be cut by next season.

Fluker is the top tackle available and is nimble for a guy who weighs 335 pounds.

5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11) - Tyler Wilson (QB/Arkansas)



Arizona made a bad investment in Kevin Kolb. It seems like the only players in the league able to stop Larry Fitzgerald are the Cardinals quarterbacks.

If Arizona is finishing this low, heads will roll. Ken Wisenhunt and Kolb will be gone and a new quarterback will be in. Wilson is making his case as the top quarterback of the draft class and could overtake Matt Barkley at this time next year. Last season, Wilson threw 24 touchdowns with just six interceptions.

6. Oakland Raiders (5-11) - Logan Thomas (QB/Virginia Tech)



Oakland was $20 million over the cap this offseason and had to make cuts. ALong with this, they are also under a new coaching regime and the rest of the division has found ways to improve. Oakland has not had a first round draft pick since 2010.

Carson Palmer will be 33 next year and has been inconsistent thus far in Oakland. The Raiders will need to seek a replacement for him soon.

Thomas makes a lot of sense for Oakland, who usually looks for the more athletic player. At 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, Thomas plays much like Daunte Culpepper.

7. Minnesota Vikings (5-11) - David Amerson (CB/NC State)



Anyone who saw a Vikings game last year knows just how bad their secondary is. Minnesota traded up to draft Harrison Smith in the 2012 Draft, but they need to add more if they want to compete with Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford and Jay Cutler.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10) - Manti Te'o (ILB/Notre Dame)



Jacksonville needs to improve their front seven, particularly at linebacker where Kyle Bosworth and Daryl Smith will be free agents.

If Te'o declared this year, he could have been a first round pick.

9. St. Louis Rams (6-10) - Keenan Allen (WR/California)



The Rams failed to address their need for a wide receiver early in the draft this year, but unless someone picks up the slack, that wont be the case in 2013.

10. St. Louis Rams (6-10) - Jake Matthews (OT/Texas A&M)



Along with a need for a receiver, the Rams will also look into upgrading their offensive line. Jason Smith has been a bust and Roger Saffold gets overmatched too often at left tackle.

It's arguable that Matthews may not even be the best tackle on the team. Luke Joeckel is also a top prospect, but I think the Rams will pick Matthews in the end because of Fisher's relationship with the family.

11. San Diego Chargers (6-10) - Xavier Rhodes (CB/Florida State)

Quentin Jammer will be a 34-year-old free agent next season, so San Diego will need to look into addressing the secondary next season.

12. Seattle Seahawks (6-10) - Terrance Williams (WR/Baylor)

Seattle now has a franchise quarterback in Matt Flynn and running back in Marshawn Lynch. Now they need to improve their group of receivers.

13. Tennessee Titans (7-9) - Jackson Jeffcoat (DE/Texas)

Tennessee needs to improve their defensive line after finishing the season among the lowest in the league in sacks. Their inability to get to the quarterback cost the team a few games.

Tennessee also likes to draft from the Big XII. Four of their last 10 first round selections have come from the Big XII.

14. New Orleans Saints (7-9) - Star Lotulelei (DT/Utah)

Don't be surprised if the Saints struggle without Sean Payton. While the team prepared to replace Johnathan Vilma, they will look into bolstering their defensive line in 2013. Lotulelei is the first overall pick in Tood McShay's mock draft.

15. Miami Dolphins (7-9) - Barkevious Mingo (DE/LSU)

If one of the top wide receivers isn't available for Miami, expect the Dolphins to look into improving their defensive line. Aside from Cameron Wake, the Dolphins don't have many other reliable pass rushers on the team.

Mingo registered eight sacks with LSU last year.

16. Philadelphia Eagles (7-9) - Luke Joeckel (OT/Texas A&M)

If Michael Vick struggles, or fails to make it through a season again, the Eagles may look at taking Landry Jones, or even trade up for Logan Thomas, but for now they need help at tackle.

Demetress Bell's contract is pretty much a one-year deal and the team is unsure of how healthy Jason Peters will be when he returns from his achilles injury.

17. Chicago Bears (7-9) - C.J. Mosley (LB/Alabama)

Brian Urlacher is turning 34 this month. He can't be relied upon in Chicago forever an the Bears need to find someone to groom when he does ultimately retire.

18. New York Jets (7-9) - Marcus Lattimore (RB/South Carolina)

If Shonn Greene continues to show that he can not be relied upon to carry the ball consistently, the Jets will look onward in 2013.

19. Atlanta Falcons (9-7) - Kyle Eifert (TE/Notre Dame)

Tony Gonzalez is getting old and the Falcons will want to bring in someone to take his place once he retires. Ryan has a lot of success with Roddy White and Julio Jones, but a big reason why is because so many teams are also forced to watch out for Gonzalez in the middle.

20. Denver Broncos (9-7) - Marquess Wilson (WR/Washington State)

Demariyus Thomas could have a big season with Peyton Manning throwing passes to him, but the team lacks anything after him. Manning was at his best when he had Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne together, so why not give him that combo in Denver?

21. Dallas Cowboys (11-5) - T.J. McDonald (S/USC)

Dallas fixed the cornerback position this offseason, but they still need to improve their safeties. If McDonald isn't the pick here, the team could also go after Jarvis Jones.

22. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) - Landry Jones (QB/Oklahoma)

The Chiefs have talent throughout their roster except at quarterback. The Team could easily make the playoos, even with Manning in Denver, but Cassel isn't good enough to get them out of the first round.

23. Carolina Panthers (10-6) - Kawann Short (DT/Purdue)

The Panthers did not address their defensive line in the draft, but in 2013, I would be surprised if they continue to stick with the current unit.

24. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) - Kevin Reddick (ILB/North Carolina)

Ray Lewis will be 38 when the season opens in 2013, Baltimore will need to start looking for the next middle linebacker for the team.

25. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) - Knile Davis (RB/Arkansas)

Provided Davis can show he is fine after injuring his ankle last season, he should be a first rounder. The Bengals can not be content with BenJarvis Green-Ellis carrying the workload.

26. San Francisco 49ers (11-5) - Johnathan Hankins (DT/Ohio State)

San Francisco could also look at offensive line here, but Hankins is a monster at defensive tackle, tacking on 66 tackles, 10 of which were for a loss.

27. New York Giants (12-4) - Jarvis Jones (OLB/Georgia)

The Giants always like to build their defense through the pass rush. If Osi Umenyiora is gone in 2013, Jones, who had 13.5 sacks for Georgia last year, could step into his place both as a defensive end or a middle linebacker.

28. New England Patriots (13-3) - Barrett Jones (G/Alabama)

Bill Belichick loves having guys who can play more than one position. Jones is able to play at any spot on the offensive line, but is best suited at guard.

29. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) - Tony Jefferson (S/Oklahoma)

Will Allen will be a free agent in 2013 and Ryan Clark is turning 33 during the season. If the Steelers don't go for a safety, the could also add a linebacker to the roster.

30. Detroit Lions (12-4) - DeMarcus Milliner (CB/Alabama)

The Lions need to upgrade their secondary, which is one of the few holes they have on their roster entering 2012.

31. Houston Texans (12-4) - Johnathan Banks (CB/Mississippi State)

The Texans also need help in their secondary. If Kareem Jackson doesn't show up this year, Houston may opt to get rid of him.

32. Green Bay Packers (12-4) - Khaleed Holmes (C/USC)

Signing Jeff Saturday was just a stop-gap solution for the Packers. If a top center is available in the draft, it shouldn't be surprising if they take him.

Round 2 Mock Draft

33. St. Louis Rams - Stephen Hill (WR/Georgia Tech)

The Rams avoided helping out Sam Bradford in the first round, but Stephen Hill should be the pick here.

34. Indianapolis Colts - Coby Fleener (TE/Stanford)

Indianapolis always likes to utilizes tight ends. What better security blanket could the Colts give Luck other than his college teammate?

35. Baltimore Ravens - Courtney Upshaw (LB/Alabama)

Upshaw fell out of the first round and right into Baltimore's laps, where he will provide a pass-rushing presence across form Terrell Suggs.

36. Denver Broncos - Jerel Worthy (DT/Michigan State)

Denver traded out of the first round and still have the opportunity to land one of the top players on their board.

37. Cleveland Browns - Cordy Glenn (OT/Penn State)

Glenn, along with Joe Thomas, could become one of the best pair of tackles in the NFL.

38. Jacksonville Jaguars - Janoris Jenkins (CB/North Alabama)

Jacksonville is reportedly not going to be as opposed to avoid players with character issues as they were in the past. Could this new stance show in Round 2 with Jenkins?

39. St. Louis Rams - Jonathan Martin (OT/Stanford)

St. Louis will continue to fix their offense in the second round. Martin dropped out of the first round, but can still be a quality tackle in the NFL.

40. Carolina Panthers - Kendall Reyes (DT/UConn)

Carolina is very thin at defensive tackle. Dontari Poe and Fletcher Cox were linked to the team prior to the draft, perhaps they'll upgrade in Round 2.

41. Buffalo Bills - Rueben Randle (WR/LSU)

Buffalo needs to give Ryan Fitzpatrick better targets at wide receiver.

42. Miami Dolphins - Andre Branch (DE/Clemson)

The Dolphins only reliable pass rusher at the moment is Cameron Wake.

43. Seattle Seahawks - Devin Still (DT/Penn State)

The Seahawks will continue to upgrade their front seven. Devin Still is a tremendous value here.

44. Kansas City Chiefs - Peter Konz (C/Wisconsin)

Casey Weigman will be 39 on Week One, the Chiefs need to find his replacement early.

45. St. Louis Rams - Lavonte David (LB/Nebraska)

Value pick for the Rams, Fisher enjoys athletic players on defense.

46. Philadelphia Eagles - Trumaine Johnson (CB/Montana)

Asante Samuel and his $8.4 million salary is gone. Philadelphia will look to inject youth for his replacement.

47. New York Jets - Alshon Jeffrey (WR/South Carolina)

Once regarded as a top-10 pick, Jeffrey slips right to the Jets, where he will give Mark Sanchez (or Tim Tebow) a big target.

48. New England Patriots - Amini Silatolu (G/Midwestern State)

Along with fixing the leaks on their defense, New England will also need to re-tool their aging offensive line.

49. San Diego Chargers - Ron Brooks (CB/LSU)


Quentin Jammer will turn 33 this summer. San Diego will look to start grooming his replacement early.

50. Chicago Bears - Kelemechi Osemele (G/Iowa State)

Chicago needs to upgrade their interior offensive line. The only reliable guard/center is Roberto Garza.

51. Philadelphia Eagles - Zach Brown (LB/North Carolina)

After trading for DeMeco Ryans last month, Philadelphia will continue to re-tool the front seven by picking the best available player.

52. Tennessee Titans - Vinny Curry (DE/Marshall)

Rookie rotational defensive tackle Karl Klug led Tennessee with 7.0 sacks last season.

53. Cincinnati Bengals - Mohammed Sanu (WR/Rutgers)

A.J. Green will start getting double-teamed unless Cincinnati can provide more for Andy Dalton.

54. Detroit Lions - Josh Robinson (CB/UCF)

With Jake Cutler and Aaron Rodger in the division, the Lions need to address their leaky secondary.

55. Atlanta Falcons - Bobby Massie (OT/Ole Miss)

The Falcons didn't surrender a lot of sacks during the regular season, but the Giants offensive line feasted on them in the playoffs. Sam Baker was benched during the seasona s well.

56. Pittsburgh Steelers - Alamaeda Ta'amu (NT/Washington)

Casey Hampton turns 35 a few days before the NFL season begins.

57. Denver Broncos - Brandon Boykin (CB/Georgia)

The Broncos need to upgrade their secondary, where Brian Dawkins recently retired and Champ Bailey is turning 34.

b58. Houston Texans - Ryan Broyles (WR/Oklahoma)

Houston has made it clear that they want to upgrade their wide receivers early in the draft.

59. Green Bay Packers - Lamar Miller (RB/Miami)

Green Bay needs more consistency from the running back position.

60. Baltimore Ravens - Mychal Kendricks (LB/California)

Ray Lewis is at the end of his career and Baltimore will be looking to groom his replacement before he finally retires.

61. San Francisco 49ers - Jeff Allen (G/Illinois)

San Francisco needs to upgrade their offensive line at both guard and tackle.

62. New England Patriots - Mike Adams (OT/Ohio State)

Matt Light retired right before the draft, so the Patriots will also need to focus on finding a successor at left tackle.

63. New York Giants - Dwayne Allen (TE/Clemson)

Giants have plenty of options here, but Allen is a steal at this spot.

Draft Day - Final Mock Update

This is the final update to my mock draft. Unlike the previous mock, trades will not be projected, but instead featured in the "Alternative options" section.
1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14) - Andrew Luck (QB/Stanford)
This pick is now official. Indianapolis' brass announced earlier this week that Luck will be Peyton Manning's successor.

Alternative options: None. Unlike last season, there won't be any drama leading up to the draft about this selection.

2. Washington Redskins (5-11) - Robert Griffin III (QB/Baylor)

This pick is another no-brainer. The Redskins did not surrender three first-round picks to draft anybody other than a quarterback.

Alternative options: None, but it probably won't stop the two teams from taking a half-hour to make their selections anyway.

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13) - Matt Kalil (OT/USC)
Matt Kalil is the best player available and fits a monster need for the Vikings. As I mentioned earlier, Minnesota slipped from 18th in the league in sacks allowed to 28th after releasing Bryant McKinnie. Protecting Christian Ponder's blindside will be essential to the team's success.

Alternative options: Minnesota has several options at this spot. Justin Blackmon and Morris Claiborne are options here and the Vikings have been rumored to trading this pick away, especially by a team like Miami looking to take Ryan Tannehill before Cleveland makes a pick.

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12) - Trent Richardson (RB/Alabama)

The Browns will focus on upgrading their offense early in the draft, including adding more weapons for Colt McCoy. Richardson is the best player available and makes a lot of sense for Cleveland.

Alternative options: Justin Blackmon, Morris Claiborne and Ryan Tannehill are also options here, but Cleveland can easily take a receiver or cornerback with their second pick. There is a steep decline in talent at running back after Richardson.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) - Morris Claibrone (CB/LSU)

Tampa Bay is now reportedly not dealing Aqib Talib, but he still facing a possible jail sentence and suspension by the NFL. Ronde Barber will most likely convert to safety and Eric Wright played poorly for Detroit last season.

Alternative options: Trent Richardson could also be picked here as well. Lagarette Blount had fumbling issues last year and doesn't fare well in the passing game either.

6. St. Louis Rams (2-14) - Justin Blackmon (WR/Oklahoma State)

The Rams desperately need to give Sam Bradford more weapons on offense. Last year's top receiver, Brandon Lloyd, followed Josh McDaniels to New England during the offseason.

Alternative options: Riley Reiff or Morris Claiborne. Sam Bradford was getting smacked around last season, but St. Louis will most likely give Jason Smith and Roger Saffold one more chance.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11) - Melvin Ingram (DE/South Carolina)

Melvin Ingram is an athletic freak who can not only rush the quarterback, but he can drop back in pass coverage too.

Alternative options: Trading down or Michael Floyd. Jacksonville rarely stands pat with their draft pick and the team is apparently really interested in Floyd. Floyd is a reach here, but the Jaguars can trade down and still pick Floyd in the middle of the first round.

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10) - Ryan Tannehill (QB/Texas A&M)

The Dolphins have been doomed at the quarterback position since Dan Marino retired. Since 2000, the Dolphins have won just one playoff game.

Alternative options: Melvin Ingram or Michael Floyd. Miami traded Brandon Marshall away to the Bears during the offseason, so no matter who the quarterback is, he lacks an elite target. Cameron Wake is the only reliable pass rusher on the team.

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10)- Fletcher Cox (DT/Mississippi State)

The starting defensive tackles for the Panthers were a pair of rookies who were taken late in the draft. Carolina will look to bolster their offensive line early in the draft.

Alternative options: Melvin Ingram, Luke Kuechly or Stephon Gilmore. Carolina prefers local products but Cox is the best player available at this spot.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10) - Riley Reiff (OT/Iowa)

"Demetress" Bell signed with the Eagles earlier in the month. The Bills will need to make sure that they are able to protect their investment in Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Alternative options: Michael Floyd or Stephon Gilmore. Fitzpatrick has no reliable receiver on the team. Top target Stevie Johnson has a penchant for dropping passes.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (6-10) - David Decastro (G/Stanford)

Decastro is seen as the next big guard in the NFL similar to Alan Faneca and Steve Hutchinson. Most guards do not go this high in the draft, but Decastro is a rare talent.

Alternative options: Dontari Poe or Luke Kuechly. While Kuechly is the best player available, Poe will fill a major need for Kansas City.

12. Seattle Seahawks (6-10) - Luke Kuechly (LB/Boston College)

Kuechly is a tackle machine who plays sideline-to-sideline.

Alternative options: Quinton Coples. Seattle needs to fix their pass rush. Coples could see his stock fall after admitting he doesn't give a full effort during games.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8) - Michael Floyd (WR/Notre Dame)

Larry Fitzgerald may be one of the league's best receivers, but the Cardinals need to add another receiver to take the pressure off of him.

Alternative options: Jonathan Martin. Arizona will need to protect their investment in Kolb so adding a tackle early in this draft is necessary.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) - Mark Barron (SS/Alabama)

The Cowboys need to upgrade their secondary, whether it is with Dre Kirkpatrick or Barron.

Alternative options:Dre Kirkpatrick or Dontari Poe. Poe could fall due to a lackluster tape while Kirkpatrick may be out of the running after the Cowboys signed Brandon Carr.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) - Quinton Coples (DE/North Carolina)

The Eagles have no problem going after players with character issues. Philadelphia also needs to address the front seven in their draft as well.

Alternative options: Dontari Poe or Stephon Gilmore. The Eagles just traded Asante Samuel to the Falcons so adding a cornerback is an option as well.

16. New York Jets (8-8) - Chandler Jones (DE/Syracuse)

The Jets desperately need to upgrade their pass rush. Jones missed five games last year, but still manage to post 4.5 sacks.

Alternative options: Courtney Upshaw or Trent Richardson. The Jets allegedly reached out to Richardson yesterday, causing speculation that they would trade up.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) - Stephon Gilmore (CB/South Carolina)

The Bengals need a reliable cornerback across from the inconsistent Nate Clements. Leon Hall is out next year with a torn Achilles.

Alternative options: Courtney Upshaw or Cordy Glenn. The Bengals two draft picks are so close together that they can possibly take both players on the top of their board.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8) Kendall Wright (WR/Baylor)

The Chargers need to replace Vincent Jackson so receiver will be targeted early in the draft.

Alternative options: Courtney Upshaw or Whitney Mecilus. The Chargers need to upgrade their pass rush as well.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8) - Michael Brockers (DT/LSU)

Chicago is reportedly really interested in Brockers. If he is available, he will be picked here.

Alternative options: Whitney Mercilus. The Bears will most likely look into upgrading their defensive line with their first pick.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7) - Dre Kirkpatrick (CB/Alabama)

The Titans just missed out on Asante Samuel and will look into replacing departed Cortland Finnegan with an early selection.

Alternative options: Whitney Mercilus. Rookie tackle Karl Klug led the team last year with 7.0 sacks and Derrick morgan is beginning to look like a bust.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) - Cordy Glenn (G/Georgia)

The Bengals need to upgrade their interior offensive line. Glenn is verastile enough to play both guard and tackle.

Alternative options: Courtney Upshaw, Stephen Hill or Whitney Mercilus. The Bengals really like Upshaw, but he may slip down a bit in the draft due to his lack of size.

22. Cleveland Browns (4-12) - Janoris Jenkins (CB/North Alabama)

Joe Haden has become a quality cornerback in the NFL, so why not add another former Florida Gator to the team?

Alternative options: Courtney Upshaw or Kendall Wright. If Wright is available, he will be the pick since the team need to focus on their offense.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6) - Courtney Upshaw (LB/Alabama)

The Lions are big on taking the best player available and in this case, they will help bulk up their pass rush.

Alternative options: Janoris Jenkins or Jonathan Martin. Detroit desperately needs to improve their secondary and adding a left tackle.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) - Dontari Poe (NT/Memphis)

Casey Hampton is getting old so the Steelers will look into finding his replacement. In this case, Poe falls right into their laps.

Alternative options: Dont'a Hightower. This pick will ultimately go between which player is available at this spot.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8) - Jerel Worthy (DT/Michigan State)

The Broncos have practically nothing at defensive tackle so Denver will look at upgrading the position in the draft.

Alternative options: Stephen Hill. The Broncos will want to give Peyton Manning more targets on offense, so why not add another Georgia Tech wide receiver.

26. Houston Texans (11-5) - Whitney Mercilus (DE/Illinois)

The Texans will look to replace Mario Williams at some point in this draft.

Alternative options: Stephen Hill. Houston needs more options at receiver aside form Andre Johnson.

27. New England Patriots (13-3) - Dont'a Hightower (LB/Alabama)

New England is reportedly drafting with this selection and trading away their 31st overall pick. Any number of players will be available on their draft board. Hightower is the best available player and would thrive in new England.

Alternative options: Shea McClellin, Jonathan Martin or Kendall Reyes. Matt Light was just placed on the retired list.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1) - Shea McClellin (DE/Boise State)

The Packers need to add more to their pass rush across from Clay Matthews.

Alternative options: Harrison Smith. Green Bay has holes all across their defense.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4) - Peter Konz (C/Wisconsin)

Matt Birk is aging and has stated that he willing to help groom his replacement.

Alternative options: Jonathan Martin. Baltimore is in a similar situation at left tackle as well.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3) - Stephen Hill (WR/Georgia Tech)

If anyone saw the NFC Championship game, it is obvious that the 49ers need help at wide receiver, even after adding Mario Manningham and Randy Moss.

Alternative options: Kevin Zeitler, Jonathan Martin or Coby Fleener. San Francisco will need to fix their offensive line as well.

31. New England Patriots (13-3) - Jonathan Martin (OT/Stanford)

Matt Light was recently placed on the retired list, so the Patriots will need to find someone to protect Tom Brady's blindside as well.

Alternative options: Trade or Kendall Reyes. The Patriots will most likely trade this pick, it just depends on whether or not they trade up or out of the first round.

32. New york Giants (9-7) - Coby Fleener (TE/Stanford)

Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum both tore their ACL in the Super Bowl. Martellus Bennet is not the long-term solution at tight end.

Alternative options: Jonathan Martin, Kevin Zeitler or Mike Adams. Kareem McKenzie was cut during the offseason.

2012 Round 1 Update

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14) - Andrew Luck (QB/Stanford)



The Colts selecting Andrew Luck was all but official when the team started the season off 0-13. The only questions was, what would happen to Peyton Manning? Now that Manning has left Indianapolis for Denver, the Colts will focus on rebuilding their franchise with Luck.

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III will get some consideration here, but in the end Luck should and will be the pick.

2. Washington Redskins (5-11) - Robert Griffin III (QB/Baylor)



Washington traded three first-round draft picks to St. Louis in order to acquire the second overall selection and they did not make the trade to draft any other player other than a quarterback.

Griffin was phenomenal for Baylor last season, completing 72.4% of his passes to go along with 37 touchdowns and six interceptions. His offensive line was not among the elite either, allowing 27 sacks last season.

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13) 0 Matt Kalil (OT/USC)



Minnesota has been under the radar as a potential team to trade down in this draft. I think this is a bad move for Minnesota considering how badly they need a left tackle and how good Kalil is.

The Vikings began the 2011 season by releasing long-time left tackle Bryant McKinnie and it resulted in Minnesota going from 18th in the league in sacks allowed in 2010 to 28th last season. If Minnesota wants quarterback Christian Ponder to be successful in the NFL, a quality left tackle is necessary.

Kalil was a part of an offensive line that allowed quarterback Matt Barkley to be sacked just nine times last season.

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12) Trent Richardson (RB/Alabama)



Ryan Tannehill is an interesting subject here, but I can't see Cleveland abandoning Colt McCoy until they at least give him some weapons on offense.

Peyton Hillis was a monumental bust, as expected, last year and the Browns were smart to not give him an extension. The team, however, has no options at running back.

Trent Richardson finally emerged from Mark Ingram's shadow and dominated the SEC last season, averaging 5.9 yards per carry to go along with 21 touchdowns.

Wide receiver Justin Blackmon is also an option, but there is more depth in this year's draft at receiver than running back. Richardsonshould be the pick.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) - Morris Claiborne (CB/LSU)



In a division that features Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton, it is imperative to have a good secondary. Tampa Bay at the moment, is lacking this.

Ronde Barber is 37 and will most likely be converted to safety soon. Aqib Talib could possibly be in jail this season and the Bucs are currently trying to trade him.

The team also signed Eric Wright, but he isn't enough to help the team stop the aerial show that is the NFC South.

Claiborne is the top cornerback available and could go as high as third overall. If Claiborne is not available, expect the Bucs to take Trent Richardson instead.

6. St. Louis Rams (2-14) - Justin Blackmon (WR/Oklahoma State)



Trading away the second overall pick was a smart move for the Rams. One of they players they were targeting could still be available and they will now have two first-round picks for the next two years as well.

Sam Bradford regressed last season due in part to the lack of production by his wide receivers. His only reliable target, midseason pickup Brandon Lloyd, bolted St. Louis for New England.

Blackmon is far and away the top wide receiver available. Last year, Blackmon caught 121 passes, 18 of which were in the end zone.

7. Arizona Cardinals (8-8) - Riley Reiff (OT/Iowa)



I pretty much never project trades, but Jacksonville rarely stands pat in the first round and the top players available at the moment do not really match their needs.

Arizona, on the other hand, needs to upgrade their offensive line. The Cardinals invested $65 million into Kolb, and they are going to need to protect him if they want him to last more than nine games a year.

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10) - Ryan Tannehill (QB/Texas A&M)



Poor Miami, they were the first team eliminated from the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, Matt Flynn, who seemed likely to go to the Dolphins due to his relationship with Joe Philbin, spurned them for Seattle and the won too many meaningless games late in the season to be able to draft Luck or Griffin.

Regardless, the Dolphins will need to get their franchise quarterback here. It is astonishing that Miami has gone 29 years without spending a first round pick on a quarterback.

If Miami is unable to take Tannehill (which means either Cleveland bit the bullet or somebody traded up) expect them to explore options at either defensive end (Melvin Ingram) or right tackle (Riley Reiff or Jonathan Martin.)

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10) - Stephon Gilmore (CB/South Carolina)



I have had Quinton Coples mocked her for quite a while considering the Panthers penchant for taking local players, but it seems another Carolina player has emerged as the apple of Jerry Richardson's eye.

Gilmore started the year off as one of the top corners but fell during the season to a late first round/early second-round prospect. After a strong combine, however, it appears doubtful that he will go undrafted on opening night.

While Gilmore may not be the second-highest rated cornerback in this year's draft, he does not come with baggage, which can't be said about Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick or North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins.

If Carolina does decide instead to improve their interior defensive line, Fletcher Cox or Dontari Poe could also be picked here.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10) - Jonathan Martin (OT/Stanford)



This pick was ultimately going to go between finding a left tackle or improving their pass rush. But after signing Mario Williams and allowing incumbent LT "Demetress" Bell to sign with the Eagles, it should be obvious where Buffalo goes in the draft.

Martin struggled late in the season, but he was still a key part to the success of Andrew Luck, anchoring an offensive line that allowed just 11 sacks all year.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9) - Dontari Poe (NT/Memphis)

Kansas City desperately needs to upgrade their nosetackle. Conveniently , Poe had a monster combine, including a 40-yard dash of 4.86 seconds. Pretty impressive, considering the guy weighs 350 pounds.

Stanford guard David Decastro is another option here as well and it would not be surprising if Kansas City does go with him instead. The Chiefs could also look into upgrading their pass rush by drafting Melvin Ingram.

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9) - Melvin Ingram (DE/South Carolina)

Seattle finished the season among the worst in the league at getting to the quarterback, only amassing 33 sacks on the year. If the Seahawks want to upend the 49ers, they will need to be able to get to Alex Smith.

Ingram is one of the most athletic people in this draft class. Along with his 10 sacks, he also picked off a pair of passes and is the the Gamecocks hands team.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11) - Michael Floyd (WR/Notre Dame)

If Jacksonville wants Blaine Gabbert to succeed in the NFL, they need to provide him with better offensive weapons on the field. than Mike Thomas and Jason Hill.

Floyd caught 100 passes for Notre Dame last year, including nine for a touchdown.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) - David Decastro (G/Stanford)

Dallas needed to upgrade their exterior offensive line last year and did so by drafting Tyron Smith. This year, they will need to address their interior line.

While center is the biggest need on the line, Decastro has the potential to become an elite guard in the NFL and has drawn comparisons to Steve Hutchinson.

If Dallas does not address their offensive line, either Dre Kirkpatrick or Janoris Jenkins could be picked here as well.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) - Fletcher Cox (DT/Mississippi State)

Philadelphia needs to upgrade their front seven and they did so last month by trading with Houston for DeMeco Ryans. With the linebacker situation addressed, they will now need to bring in a new defensive tackle.

Cox was not only a force at stuffing the run for Mississippi State last year, but he was also able to put pressure on the opposing quarterback, tacking on five sacks.

16. New York Jets (8-8) - Courtney Upshaw (DE/Alabama)

The Jets amassed just 35 sacks last year, a much lower figure than they want. If Rex Ryan wants to replicate the success of the defense he had with Baltimore he will need to add an edge rusher.

Courtney Upshaw will most likely play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme despite his height (6'2") despite this, he has the frame for an outside linebacker and had 9.5 sacks for Alabama last year despite missing a game.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) - Dre Kirkpatrick (CB/Alabama)

The Bengals are in dire need to upgrade their secondary. Top cornerback Leon Hall won't be ready when the season starts due to an achilles injury. Nate Clements was inconsistent last year and recently signed Terrence Newman is 33 and coming off of his worst season in the NFL.

Kirkpatrick could make the argument that he is the top cornerback available in the draft, but a marijuana bust in January harmed his stock (though the charges were dropped a month later.)

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8) - Whitney Mercilus (DE/Illinois)

No member of the Chargers registered more than four sacks last year. On top of that, the team failed to affress this need in free agency. They will most likely look into upgrading the position in the draft.

Mercilus went on a tear for Illinois last year, registering 16 sacks. Only two teams were able to keep him out of the backfield.

19. Chicago bears (8-8) Luke Kuechly (LB/Boston College)

Brian Urlacher turns 34 next month. That being said, the team should start looking for his replacement and begin grooming him.

Kuechly, much like Urlacher, is a team leader and an all-around linebacker. Last season, Kurchly walked away with the Bronko Nagurski Award for the nation's top defensive player.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7) - Cordy Glenn (G/Georgia)

If the Titans want Chris Johnson to return to his 2009 form, they need to imrpove their interior offensive line. The teamsigned Steve Hutchinson during the offseason, but they still need help across form him.

If Glenn is not selected here, Tennessee could also look at adding a defensive end, whether is be Quinton Coples or Nick Perry, or a cornerback (Janoris Jenkins.)

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) - Quinton Coples (DE/North Carolina)

After taking Kirkpatrick with their first pick, the Bengals will look at bolstering their defensive line with their second pick, where the team lacks depth.

Coples was at one time a top-ten pick, but after he admitted at the combine to not always giving a full effort, his stock should fall.

22. Cleveland Browns (4-12) - Kendall Wright (WR/Baylor)

Cleveland added a running back earlier in the draft,now they will need to give Colt McCoy someone to throw to.

Josh Cribbs is a great kick returner, but not much of a wide receiver and Mohammed Massoquoi is not a no. 1 receiver.

Wright, who can also double as a punt returner, was Robert Griffin III's top receiver. Wright caught 108 passes with 14 touchdowns, but more importantly, averaged 15.4 yards per reception.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6) - Janoris Jenkins (CB/North Alabama)

Janoris Jenkins is clearly talented, but his off-field activity got him booted out of Florida. As a result, he had to spend last season playing for North Alabama. He seems to have gotten his act together and could rise to a top-15 selection.

Detroit gave up 3,881 passing yards last year as well as 26 touchdowns through the air. The team also clearly does not mind taking players with character issues. Jenkins could be a steal for Detroit.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Dont'a Hightower (LB/Alabama)

Pittsburgh recently released 37-year-old James Farrior, Larry Foote is 31 and James Harrison is 33. The Steelers also have a penchant for taking linebackers early in the draft

Hightower bounced back from a sub-par sophomore campaign where he replaced Rolando McClain to a stellar junior year where he was one of the leader on Alabama's defense.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8) - Michael Brockers (DT/LSU)

Denver made the biggest move this offseason, signing Peyton Manning and shipping fan-favorite Tim Tebow away to the Jets.

What Denver did not fix, however, is the interior defensive line. Three of the four defensive tackles in Denver went undrafted (two of which were rookies in 2011) and another was a seventh-round draft pick.

Brockers was a top-15 draft pick when he declared, but his combine (along with Dontari Poe's) slid him down a bit. Still, he is a force against the run and can make a major impact in the NFL.

26. Houston Texans (11-5) - Stephen Hill (WR/Georgia Tech)

Houston has nobody to throw to aside from Andre Johnson. and he spent most of 2011 injured. The Texans will need to get a quality second receiver for Matt Schaub (or T.J. Yates) to throw to.

Hill emerged as a first-round prospect after a big combine. Last season, Hill caught just 28 passes in Georgia Tech's run-focused offense, but was still able to come up with 820 yards (a whopping 29.3 yards per reception) and five touchdowns.

27. New England Patriots (13-3) - Mark Barron (SS/Alabama)

Barron could be selected anywhere between the no. 14 pick and now depending on which team selected where. Luckily for New England, he lasted this long.

Barron is a ball-hawking safety who can blitz on passing downs as well as cover.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1) - Shea McClellin (LB/Boise State)

Green Bay needs another pass rusher across from Clay Matthews along with other needs in on defense. The Packers only had 29 sacks last year.

McClellin has seven sacks along with a pair of picks for the Broncos last season. If McClellin is not available at this spot, Green bay could reach for a cornerback or select Mark Barron.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4) - Mike Adams (OT/Ohio State)

The Ravens signed Bryant McKinnie during the offseason, but he is going to be 33 this year and is not the long-term solution for the Ravens.

Adams can go as high a 22nd overall, but his best fit is with Baltimore. If he is not available, Peter Konz could also be an option.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3) - Coby Fleener (TE/Stanford)

No tight end is not a major need for San Francisco, but at this spot, not many available players fit the 49ers needs.

What the 49ers do need, however, is more explosion on the offense. If Stephen Hill was available here, he could be the pick. Otherwise, San Francisco may try to replicate the success of the two tight end system used in New England.

If San Francisco does not take Fleener, Wisconsin guard Kevin Zeitler is also an option.

31. Oakland Raiders (8-8) - Nick Perry (DE/USC)

New England is reportedly interested in trading away their 31st overall pick and Oakland, who does not have a draft pick until round 3 will be desperate to get an early pick. It would be surprising if Oakland forfeited next year's first-round pick to land this one.

Oakland will want to improve their pass rush now that Peyton Manning is in the division. Perry notched 9.5 sacks for USC last season.

32. New York Giants (9-7) - Peter Konz (C/Wisconsin)

With a majority of the Giants offensive line hitting the twilight of their careers, New York will focus on improving this unit.

Peter Konz is versatile enough to play either guard or center, but drafting him will most likely cause incumbent center David Baas to move back to his natural position at guard.

Running back could also be looked at, but there is a steep drop in talent after Trent Richardson. Either Coby Fleener or Dwayne Allen could also be considered since the Giants top two tight ends tore their ACL in the Super Bowl.

2012 NFL Mock Draft

By Justin Worsley
The draft order is represented by my preseason projections and is adjusted each week.

1. Oakland Raiders (4-12) - Dre’ Kirkpatrick (CB/Alabama)

Ryan Fitzpatrick looked like Jim Kelly in the second half against the Raiders. Their defense is awful.
Oakland needs to replace Nnamdi Asomugha and Dre’ Kirkpatrick is one of the best defensive back available this off-season. He also fits the typical Al Davis mold (6’3, 195 lbs.)
Of course, Andrew Luck is a possibility, but the team seems very invested in Terrelle Pryor, so for now I won’t mock him here.
Offensive line is also an area of need, but would Al Davis really use the first overall pick on someone who doesn’t play a skill position? He has before in the first round, but with this high of a pick, you can bet that won’t be the situation.

2. Carolina Panthers (4-12) - Alshon Jeffery (WR/South Carolina)

Cam Newton has taken the NFL by storm, but the Panthers still can’t win. Perhaps improving a group of no-name receivers will help.

Steve Smith is aging and looks like a shell of his former self. Providing Newton with a true no.1 receiver will give Carolina a scary offense if Newton continues to play well.

Jeffrey is a hometown product and will provide a huge boost for the Panthers. Last season, Jeffrey caught 88 passes for 1,517 yards and nine touchdowns as a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award. At 6’4”, 235 lbs. Jeffrey is a physical freak.

3. Tennessee Titans (5-11) - Justin Blackmon (WR/Oklahoma State)

Had Blackmon declared last season, he could have been a top-five pick. Last year, Blackmon had the difficult task of replacing Dez Bryant in Oklahoma State’s line-up and seamlessly took over, winning the Biletnikoff Award in the process.

The Titans need another receiver to line up across from Kenny Britt. With Blackmon, Britt and Chris Johnson, Jake Locker could have an offensive advantage that was never given to Vince Young

4. Buffalo Bills (5-11) - Quinton Coples (DE/North Carolina)

Given the way Ryan Fitzpatrock has been playing, Ralph Wilson may avoid picking Andrew Luck, something that may be a huge mistake, but not something that is generally surprising, considering his recent draft history with quarterbacks.
Buffalo seriously needs to upgrade their defensive line. Aaron Maybin was given up on after two sackless seasons and so far, Buffalo has only gotten to the quarterback twice.
Last season, Coples was named to the all-ACC team after having a 10 sack season

5. Cincinnati Bengals (5-11) - Matt Kalil (OT/USC)

Andrew Luck is a possibility, but would the Bengals really give up on Andy Dalton after one season? After seeing how Mike Brown operates, I doubt it.

Offensive line, however, is a concern for the Bengals. Andre Smith finally reported to camp in shape this off-season, but he has had an injury-riddled career thus far in the league. Anthony Collins is a free agent.

Kalil, the younger brother of Carolina’s Ryan Kalil, is a major reason why Tyron Smith was stuck at right tackle in college. USC has surrendered only two sacks so far this season.

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11) - Vontaze Burfict (MLB/Arizona State)

Cleveland has many needs on defense, especially in the front seven. They looked good against Indianapolis, but everyone is at the moment.

Burfict had 90 tackles (8.5 for a loss) and two forced fumbles last season during an All-American campaign. He does, however, draw a high number of personal foul penalties.

7. Miami Dolphins (5-11) - Andrew Luck (QB/Stanford)

Did hell freeze over? Because, in this mock draft, Andrew Luck has somehow slipped to seventh overall.
The previous six teams had some sort of situation at quarterback, which prevented Luck from being drafted.
Miami is getting a huge steal here. Chad Henne has no running game and Brandon Marshall has never developed a chemistry with Henne.
Luck, the consensus best player available, is the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy this season.

8. Detroit Lions (6-10) - Jonathan Martin (OT/Stanford)
If Detroit keeps destroying teams the way they are this season, they will be picking much higher than eighth overall, but the biggest part of that success depends on whether or not their offensive line can protect the right shoulder of Matt Stafford.
In his first two seasons, Detroit has been unsuccessful in protecting Stafford, forcing him to miss 20 of his first 32 career games. SO far, the Lions have not made any changes to their line.
The Lions like to draft the best player available and if they follow suit, Jonathan Martin will be their pick. Martin has blocked admirably for Andrew Luck in college and will be an immediate contributor to any team.

9. San Francisco 49ers (6-10) - Matt Barkley (QB/USC)

Jim Harbaugh would’ve loved to have Miami’s pick, but that just isn’t the case in this draft. Barkley, however, isn’t that bad of a consolation prize. Not to mention, Harbaugh has seen Barkley live twice, so he has a better idea of him as a quarterback than Landry Jones.

Alex Smith is out of chances in San Francisco. If the 49ers finish with a top 10 draft pick again, I’d be surprised if Smith even found a job in 2012.

Barkley is only a junior this season, so there is a chance he will remain at school, something that may appeal to him since USC will be post-season eligible next year. So far this season, Barkley has completed 69-percent of his passes for 892 yards with nine touchdowns and only one interception.

10. Denver Broncos (6-10) – Jerel Worthy (DT/Michigan State)

Denver cut practically all of their defensive tackles during the summer and are now relying on journeyman Kevin Vickerson and undrafted rookies Ronnell Brown and Colby Whitlock to anchor the defensive line. Clearly, this is an area of need.

Worthy can fit anywhere in the 10-20 range of this draft, but if Denver has this pick, he has to be the best player available on their board.

Worthy, who many scout compare to last year’s first round draft pick Corey Liuget, has the explosiveness and athleticism to play in the NFL, but is still considered a work in progress.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (6-10) – Landry Jones (QB/Oklahoma)
The Chiefs benefited from having a soft schedule last season and found their way into the playoffs. This year, however, Charlie Weis has left and three starters are out for the season, including running back Jamaal Charles and safety Eric Berry.

The Matt Cassel experiment is also failing in Kansas City. So far this season, Cassel has passed for a pedestrian 252 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions. He still has three years remaining on his contract, but don’t be surprised if Kansas City cuts ties with him, especially if Jones is available.

Jones is another Heisman Trophy contender and a big reason why Oklahoma is the top-ranked team in the nation. Last year, Jones passed for 4,718 yards with 38 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, all with a 65.8 completion percentage.

12. Seattle Seahawks (6-10) – Stephon Gilmore (CB/South Carolina)
Former CFL player Brandon Browner is currently a starting cornerback in Seattle, making the need to upgrade at this position imperative.

Quarterback is also a major option here, but since the top three quarterbacks are already gone, the Seahawks need to address their next biggest need. Gilmore is also the best player available, so this pick make sense for them.

Gilmore is a multi-dimensional player who has the speed to keep up with NFL wide receivers

13. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9) – Morris Claiborne (CB/LSU)
Last year, LSU has Patrick Peterson shutting down half of the field. Morris Claiborne has followed suit and opponents are having a very difficult time passing against the Tigers.

Rashean Mathis is on the downside of his career, and will be a 32-year-old free agent this off-season. With a plethora of cornerbacks available, Jacksonville doesn’t need to go out of their way to re-sign him.

14. Washington Redskins (7-9) – Trent Richardson (RB/Alabama)
Mike Shannahan has made a career out of taking late draft pick running backs and making them stars, but considering that their current running back is Tim Hightower, now would be a good time to change that approach.
Richardson, finally out of the shadows of Mark Ingram, has emerged, rushing for 315 yards and eight touchdowns on only 50 attempts. Wow.

15. Indianapolis Colts (7-9) – Riley Reiff (OT/Iowa)
Considering how the Colts are performing so far this season, don’t be surprised if they have a higher pick than this.

Their offensive line has already allowed five sacks and 14 quarterback hits.; If defenses keep putting pressure on the Colts, Kerry Collins may be in a wheelchair before Halloween.

Anthony Castonzo was drafted last year, however, don’t be surprised if Indianapolis double-dips at this position. Especially now considering the severity of Peyton Manning’s injury.

16. Minnesota Vikings (7-9) - Luke Keuchly (MLB/Boston College)
E.J. Henderson has done a phenomenal job emerging from a career that seemed to be doomed early with injuries, but he will be 32 this off-season and a free agent. Minnesota needs to replace him.

Keuchly is a defensive captain for Boston College and a force against the run. Last season, he was a unanimous All-American selection.

17. Arizona Cardinals (7-9) – Donte Paige-Moss (DE/OLB/North Carolina)
Last year, the focus of the Cardinals was on the loss of Kurt Warner and how the offense wasn’t able to function without him. What everyone seemed to miss was how their defensive captain left the team as well.
Karlos Dansby signed with Miami as a free agent last year and the team never replaced him. Upgrading their pass rush will be a necessity this off-season, especially with the emergence of Sam Bradford.
Paige-Moss has had a slow start so far this season, with only five tackles and one sack, but he has also spent much of the season being double-teamed on pass downs.

18. New York Giants (8-8) - Manti Te’o (MLB/Notre Dame)
It seems like every year the Giants need to improve at linebacker and the team just refuses to make any changes. Considering that the team’s defense is getting destroyed with injuries, that may change.
Te’o has 26 tackles and a sack for the Fighting Irish so far this season.

19. Chicago Bears (9-7) – Michael Brewster (C/Ohio State)
Olin Kreutz has been a leader of the Bears for nearly a decade now, so it will be hard to replace him. Considering how horrible the Bears offensive line has looked so far, it looks like they will be taking an offensive lineman with their top pick for the second straight year.

Brewster is a three-year starter for the Buckeyes is the consensus best center available.

20. Dallas Cowboys (9-7) – Janoris Jenkins (CB/North Alabama)
Jenkins made a name for himself at Florida, where he shut down top-flight receivers like A.J. Green. The problem, however, was he had plenty of off-field issues as well. After announcing that he would skip the NFL Draft last year and return to Florida, he was kicked off the team for his second drug-related arrest.
He is now enrolled at FCS school North Alabama and hoping to rehab his image. His stock could plummet, but he is definitely a first-round talent.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6) – Alfonzo Dennard (CB/Nebraska)
As great as Prince Amukamara was last season for the Cornhuskers, Dennard looked just as good. The tandem was a big reason why Jake Locker went a combined 9/36 with 127 passing yards and one touchdown and two interceptions in two games. Not bad considering that Locker was a top-10 draft pick last April.
Tampa Bay had a need at cornerback. Ronde Barber is aging and Aqib Talib can’t stay out of trouble.

22. St. Louis Rams (8-8) – Michael Floyd (WR/Notre Dame)
The Rams need to provide Sam Bradford with a true no. 1 receiver. Donnie Avery and Mike Sims-Walker cannot be long-term solutions.
Floyd has had a fair share of legal issues and was suspended by Notre Dame for a period of time, but he is a dominant receiver and could provide a huge boost for St. Louis’ offense.

23. Houston Texans (10-6) – Brandon Jenkins (DE/OLB/Florida State)
The pass defense finally looks good and Mario Williams is having a monster year so far as an outside linebacker. The Texans, however, need an upgrade over Connor Barwin.
Jenkins is a hybrid defensive end or linebacker who can put pressure on the quarterback, but is also stout against the run. Houston’s defense could become even scarier than their offense in years to come.

24. San Diego Chargers (12-4) – Bruce Irvin (DE/OLB/West Virginia)
Once upon a time, San Diego had a strong core of linebackers and were able to continually pressure the quarterback. Since then, Shawne Merriman was shown the door and Larry English has been a bust of s first-round pick. If San Diego wants to continue to dominate the AFC West, they will need to upgrade here.
Irvin had 14 sacks and a forced fumble last season.

25. New York Jets (10-6) – Courtney Upshaw (DE/OLB/Alabama)
Opposing offenses may have a plan against the Jets this year. Rex Ryan was exploited often last year with the lack of quality pass rushers as he blitzed nearly every down. If the Jets want to get over the hump of the AFC Championship, upgrading the pass rush is a must.
Upshaw will be an immediate upgrade for a Jets pass rush that has finally severed ties with Vernon Gholston.

26. Green Bay Packers (10-6) – Brandon Thompson (DT/Clemson)
Cullen Jenkins left Green Bay to join the Eagles and now only have journeyman Howard Green to spell B.J. Raji.
Thompson will help solidify the Packers defensive line and he is able to line up at both end or tackle. Green Bay is a hard team to mock, since they have very few glaring needs.


27. New England Patriots (14-2) – Zach Brown (OLB/North Carolina)
New England acquires this pick via the trade last year with New Orleans.

New England will most likely trade this pick away, but I’m not going to sit here and predict who is going to take the bait and grab this pick.

New England desperately needs to upgrade the pass rush, which ironically is not something Zach Brown does well. At 6’3” 235 lbs. Brown is more of a cover linebacker. Regardless, the Patriots have two picks in this round and linebacker is a need as well. He does have 2.5 sacks so far this season though.

28. New England Patriots (14-2) – David DeCastro (G/Stanford)
Along with their need to upgrade the pass rush, the Patriots are also re-tooling their offensive line.
Nate Solder was their top pick last season, but the team isn’t finished with the changes. New England always goes with the best talent available and with the top defensive lineman gone, they will shift their focus on the line.

29. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) - Alameda Ta’amu (NT/Washington)
Casey Hampton is 34 and Pittsburgh needs to integrate a new nose tackle to replace him within the next 2-3 years.
Ta’amu is bigger than Hampton and is a force right now for the Huskies. Nebraska got most of their yards against Washington last week by running outside, avoiding Ta’amu.

30. Cleveland Browns (5-11) – LaMichael James (RB/Oregon)
Cleveland acquired this pick from Atlanta via the Julio Jones trade.
Peyton Hillis is going to be worn out unless Cleveland adds a bit of flash into their backfield. James has clocked in at 4.32 in the 40-yard dash and will give the Browns another dimension along with the bruising style of Hillis.
Many see James slipping into the second round, but with Knile Davis being out for the year, James could sneak into a late first round selection.

31. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) – Jared Crick (DE/Nebraska)
One of the reasons Ndamukong Suh was so successful in college is because teams were unable to double-team him with the presence of Crick.
Haloti Ngata, Brandon McKinney and Corey Redding are all free agents in 2012, so Baltimore will need to replace at least one of them.

32. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) – Andrew Datko (OT/Florida State)
The Eagles invested way too much money into Michael Vick to simply allow him to get slaughtered due to a subpar offensive line. In last Sunday’s game against Atlanta, Vick suffered a concussion in a freak play. I will remind everyone now that Vick has only played a full NFL season once in his career.
Datko is the top tackle available at this spot of the draft and fills an obvious need for the Eagles.

Mock Draft Round 2:

33. New England - Justin Houston (OLB/Georgia)
34. Buffalo - Ryan Mallett (QB/Arkansas)
35. Cincinnati - Da'Quan Bowers (DE/Clemson)
36. Denver - Stephen Paea (NT/Oregon State)
37. Cleveland - Torrey Smith (WR/Maryland)
38. Arizona - Akeem Ayers (OLB/UCLA)
39. Tennessee - Brooks Reed (DE/Arizona)
40. Dallas - Aaron Williams (CB/Texas)
41. Washington - Andy Dalton (QB/TCU)
42. Houston - Brandon Harris (CB/Miami FL)
43. Minnesota - Marvin Austin (DT/North Carolina)
44. Detroit - Benjamin Ijalana (OT/Villanova)
45. San Francisco - Ras-I Dowling (CB/Virginia)
46. Denver - Kyle Rudolph (TE/Notre Dame)
47. St. Louis - Randall Cobb (WR/Kentucky)
48. Oakland - Stefen Wisniewski (C/Penn State)
49. Jacksonville - Jabaal Sherard (DE/Pittsburgh)
50. San Diego - James Carpenter (OT/Alabama)
51. Tampa Bay - Davon House (CB/NMSU)
52. New York Giants - Mikel Leshoure (RB/Illinois)
53. Indianapolis - Jaiquwann Jarrett (S/Temple)
54. Philadelphia - Rahim Moore (FS/UCLA)
55. Kansas City - Allen Bailey (DE/Miami FL)
56. New England - Rodney Hudson (G/Florida State)
57. Seattle - Colin Kaepernick (QB/Nevada)
58. Baltimore - Leonard Hankerson (WR/Miami FL)
59. Cleveland - Jarvis Jenkins (DE/Clemson)
60. New England - Sam Acho (DE/Texas)
61. San Diego - Jerrel Jernigan (WR/Troy)
62. Chicago - Jurrell Casey (DT/USC)
63. Pittsburgh - James Brewer (OT/Indiana)
64. Green Bay - Martez Wilson (LB/Illinois)

2011 NFL Mock Draft

1. Carolina Panthers (2-14) - Cam Newton (QB/Auburn)

Two months ago, I mocked Newton here and everyone thought I was crazy. Now it looks like it is almost a lock. Nearly every mock draft on the internet has Newton as the top dog and all signs are pointing to Panther new head coach Ron Rivera having his heart set on Newton.

Newton is a natural leader and has won it all on every level so far. Regardless, he makes a lot of bad decisions on the field which need to be worked on before he becomes a starter.

Once a new CBA is set, expect Jimmy Clausen to get traded. Matt Moore will most likely start this season while they get Newton ready for 2012.

2. Denver Broncos (4-12) - Patrick Peterson (CB/LSU)

Marcell Dareus is practically the consensus pick here as well, but it doesn't make too much sense to me.

Yes Denver finished dead last int he NFL last season in sacks, but they were also without Elvis Dumervil, their best pass rusher. He needs another man across from him, but not as bad as the team needs a cornerback.

Champ Bailey is aging and has already announced that he will play safety in order to extend his career in the late years. He is near the end of his career, so it will be sooner rather than later that he will make that transition. The other starting cornerback on last year's squad, Perrish Cox, is facing a prison sentence that could put him behind bars for life is convicted on a sexual assault charge.

Patrick Peterson is the best player available in this draft and is good enough to go no. 1, but the Panther won't take him. He can be the no. 2 cornerback for a year or two while Bailey lines up across from him until he moves to safety.

3. Buffalo Bills (4-12) - Von Miller (OLB/Texas A&M)

Buffalo would really love Cam Newton, but it isn't going to happen. Von Miller isn't that bad of a consolation prize though.

Miller is a sack machine who tore apart the Big XII in the last two seasons. He is also very intelligent and has no character issues. Buffalo needs all the help it can get in their pass rush, especially considering Tom Brady and Mark Sanchez are in their division.

4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12) - A.J. Green (WR/Georgia)

There is absolutely no chance that Cincinnati drafts a quarterback in the first round. The organization still has hope that Carson Palmer is just bluffing and drafting a quarterback in the first round is not going to help their chances.

Giving him a new target, however, can help their chances of retaining him. Terrell Owens definitely will not be on the team next season and there is a good chance Chad Ochocinco will not be either. Green is speedy and has the ideal size of a wide receiver. He is not afraid to stretch out for played and dominated in the SEC last season when he played.

5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11) - Robert Quinn (OLB/North Carolina)

Arizona needs to generate a pass rush defense that was vacated by the departure of Karlos Dansby.

Quinn is a pass rushing outside linebacker who can also play defensive end and will be able to fill this role for the team.

Julio Jones could also be looked hard at in this spot. The lack of another elite receiver across from Larry Fitzgerald and the lack of consistency at quarterback led to Fitzgerald's numbers taking a hit.

Quarterback will not be the pick here. Ken Wisenhunt is on the hot seat right now and it makes no sense for a man who's job is on the line to trust his team on the arm of a rookie.

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11) - Marcell Dareus (DT/Alabama)

Cleveland needs to address their front seven, which has never been great since the team rejoined the NFL in 1999.

Dareus has been mocked by nearly every team to the Denver Broncos, but I am still a bit of a skeptic. Regardless, Dareus is the best defensive tackle available and could also line up as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.

Julio Jones could also bee looked at here. Cleveland would love to give Colt McCoy a reliable weapon.

7. San Francisco 49ers (6-10) - Blaine Gabbert (QB/Missouri)

Jim Harbaugh has mentioned that he likes what he has seen out of Alex Smith, which has caused 49ers fans to groan, but I feel Harbaugh is only saying that so that he has more value when he gets traded.

That being said, expect San Francisco to look into quarterback early in this draft. The team is desperate for a franchise quarterback and Gabbert seems to be able to drop back down to here now.

Pricne Amukamara is also an option here, but I think the 49ers are too focused on fixing their offensive woes.

8. Tennessee Titans (6-10) - Nick Fairley (DT/Auburn)

Tennessee is currently in rebuilding mode so there are needs all across the board. If Fairley is available, the Titans will definitely take him. Tennessee has lacked a true run-stuffing tackle since Albert Haynesworth left the team. There were rumors that Tennessee would trade with Washington to bring back Haynesworth, but his old defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, is in Detroit and former head coach Jeff Fisher is gone, consider that trade dead.

The Titans have a penchant for being a dirty team, which shouldn't be a problem for Fairley, who was dubbed a dirty player by many before the National Championship where he proved he is.

9. Dallas Cowboys (6-10) - Prince Amukamara (CB/Nebraska)

Terrence Newman just turned 31 and is on the downside of his career. He will most likely become a safety soon. Mike Jenkins looked like a junior varsity player last year as he was not only numerously torched, he was targeted on nearly every pass play last year. Dallas needs to fix this.

While Patrick Peterson is the best cornerback available, Prince Amukamara is not that far behind him.

Dallas also needs an offensive lineman, but Jerry Jones has never spent a top pick, let alone a top 10 pick, on an offensive lineman. I would be surprised if that trend changes now.

10. Washington Redskins (6-10) - Julio Jones (WR/Alabama)

One of the reasons why Donovan McNabb struggled this year is because he has no weapons and an ineffective Clinton Portis to work with. Regardless, he won't be there next year.

A new weapon for the team, however, will be.

Teams fell in love with Jones' toughness during the season when he played despite a broken hand and ran a 4.3 40-yard dash at the combine, despite having a broken foot.

11. Houston Texans (6-10) - Aldon Smith (DE/Missouri)
Houston will draft defensively this year, specifically on personnel who can fit their new 3-4 defense and players who can put pressure on the quarterback.

The Texans pass defense last year was atrocious and one reason why is because they had trouble getting to the quarterback. Brian Cushing regressed and was playing inside linebacker last season, allowing teams to double team Mario Williams.

Like Jason-Pierre Paul last season, Aldon Smith has a lot of upside which will make him a top-15 pick in the draft. Smith missed a big chunk of last season with injuries.

12. Minnesota Vikings (6-10) - Jake Locker (QB/Washington)
Locker-to-Minnesota has gained a lot of steam lately and it seems more and more realistic for the Vikings to draft him in this spot. Minnesota needs a new franchise player and they feel Locker has what it takes to do the job.

Locker missed out on a lot of money by staying in school and if he is not taken here, he may fall out of the first round. The Vikings could also look at taking Da'Quan Bowers or Tyron Smith with this pick.

13. Detroit Lions (6-10) - Tyron Smith (OT/USC)
The Lions are finally admitting they have a problem at the tackle position and before Matt Stafford ends up in a wheelchair they need to fix it.

Tyron Smith can immediately play left tackle and Jeff Backus will be able to slide in at guard, a position he is better suited for.

Detroit may also look at Da'Quan Bowers to take the pressure off of Ndamukong Suh. If Prince Amukamara is available here, he will be the pick.

14. St. Louis Rams (7-9) - Corey Liuget (DT/Illinois)
The Rams would love to take Julio Jones, but unless they trade up that isn't happening.

Multiple reports have pegged the Rams looking at Corey Liuget as their second-option, however, and he will easily be available here.

After Chris Long finally posted a breakout season last year, but St. Louis is a little toothless after that. Liuget is a run-stuffing tackle who will be an immediate starter on this team.

15. Miami Dolphins (7-9) - Da'Quan Bowers (DE/Clemson)
Mark Ingram may fall out of the first round now due to his bad knee. If The Dolphins are truly scared of that then their options will become to either trade out of the first round or work on their pass rush.

Bowers has dropped due to the overwhelming amount of question marks about him frin his knee problems to his one year of productivity. Regardless, Bowers had a monster campaign last year and led the nation in sacks.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8) - Ryan Kerrigan (DE/Purdue)
Jacksonville was hoping Aaron Kampman would revive his career in Jacksonville, instead he tore the ACL in his other knee.

That being said, Jacksonville is a team that believes they should be on Indy's level and will therefore continue to generate a pass rush to stop the Colts.

Kerrigan was an academic All-American and a team leader for Purdue. He has no character issues and has a non-stop motor.

17. New England Patriots (14-2) - Cameron Jordan (DE/Calfironia)
The Patriots acquired this pick via the Richard Seymour trade, another reason why Oakland should be banned from trading with New England.

New England needs to address their defense and what better way to do that than replacing Richard Seymour with the pick you received to give him up?

The Patriots have had their eye on Jordan and if he lasts this long, they will most likely take him. Otherwise, expect New England to trade this pick.

18. San Diego Chargers (9-7) - Cameron Heyward (DE/Ohio State)
The Chargers have lacked a pass rush since Shawne Merriman became injury-riddled. They drafted Larry English as his replacement, but he hasn't been impressive so far.

Heyward will line up as a defensive end in San Diego's system and has been a key to the Buckeye's pass rush for three years.

19. New York Giants (10-6) - Anthony Castonzo (OT/Boston College)
The Giants have two needs entering this draft, the offensive line and linebacker. Anthony Castonzo is the best player available which satisfies their needs.

New York's offensive line is getting older and was hit with injuries last year. One of the reasons the Giants rarely find themselves picking in the top-20 is due to their offensive line, which is always amongst the league's best.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6) - J.J. Watt (DE/Wisconsin)
Tampa Bay wants to continue to bring a young, healthy pass rush up fron that can harass Drew Brees and Matt Ryan for years.

Watt played tackle in college, but has a non-stop motor and a nose for the quarterback. He will excel in the NFL.

21. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) - Akeem Ayers (OLB/UCLA)
Kansas City doesn't have much of a pass rush across from Tamba Hali and they need to take care of this.

Ayers is a great fit for the Chiefs, a team captain at UCLA and good against both the run and pass.

22. Indianapolis Colts (10-6) - Derek Sherrod (OT/Mississippi State)
Indy's line is getting old and the Colts will look to draft here to prolong Peyton Manning's career.

23. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) - Gabe Carimi (OT/Wisconsin)
It's no secret that the Eagles are looking to protect Michael Vick, who has only played one full season in his career.

Vick found himself running more than he needed to last season due to the fact that his offensive line just could protect him long enough.

Carimi can be the cornerstone of the Eagles offensive line.

24. New Orleans Saints (11-5) Muhammad Wilkerson (DT/Temple)
Don't think that just because the Saints drafted Shaun Rodgers last year that they are set on the defensive line.

Rodgers is 31 and will not be an every down tackle. Wilkerson is versatile enough to play end or tackle and will line up very well next to Will Smith.

25. Seattle Seahawks (7-9) - Mike Pouncey (G/Florida)
Seattle needs to improve on their interior offensive line, along with their secondary or quarterback.

Pouncey is the best player available that fits the needs of Seattle. Many teams will take a hard look at Pouncey, who's twin brother, Maurkice, was named to the Pro Bowl in his rookie year.

26. Baltimore Ravens (12-4) - Jimmy Smith (CB/Colorado)
Before last season began, there were concerns about the Ravens secondary. The unit played better than they were expected to, but they still need to improve.

Smith has been flying up people charts, but character concerns will drop him into a late first-round pick.

27. Atlanta Falcons (13-3) - Torrey Smith (WR/Maryland)
Atlanta needs another weapon for Matt Ryan otherwise teams will be loading on Roddy White.

Torrey Smith looks great at the combine and is sliding up the mock boards.

28. New England Patriots (14-2) Mark Ingram (RB/Alabama)
Surely, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead aren't long-term answers in New England.

Ingram has scared a few teams with his knee problems, but New England is surely to bite on this pick. Ingram also won't receive an overload of carries with the Patriots, which will help his knee for now.

29. Chicago Bears (11-5) - Nate Solder (OT/Colorado)
The Bears offensive line is horrendous. Chris Williams has not played to his abilities and Jay Cutler has been running for his life all year.

Solder has taken a bit of a hit in his draft stock, but will still be taken in the first round, most likely between 21-30. The Bears desperately need to upgrade their offensive line of Cutler will be out of the league.

30. New York Jets (11-5) Adrian Clayborn (DE/Iowa)
The Jets struggled to generate a pass rush when they weren't blitzing and a lot of teams were able to figure out their scheme late in the year.

Clayborn has some character concerns, but the Jets track record shows they don't seem to care too much about that.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) - Phil Taylor (NT/Baylor)
Casey Hampton is going to be 34 on opening day and has seen a significant cut in playing time. Pittsburgh needs to draft his heir and groom him.

32. Green Bay Packers (10-6) Justin Houston (OLB/Georgia)
Houston is versatile enough to play either end or linebacker and will be a big contributor to the Packers, who's linebacker core can resemble the Steelers if Houston is added to their squad.