NFL Mock Drafts

By Rob Rang
The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

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By winning Super Bowl XLVI despite ranking dead last in the league in rushing yards during the regular season, the New York Giants proved in yet another way just how much the passing game has taken over the NFL.

Traditionalists, take heart. Every team still wants to be able to run the ball and stop the run. But to win in today's NFL, teams' primary objective has evolved into passing the ball and rushing the quarterback. The value of the quarterback position will be proven immediately in the 2012 draft, where Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin are likely to wind up as the first two picks of the draft. Teams hungry to copy the Giants formula of constantly rotating talented defensive linemen will find that the 2012 crop once again is loaded at the position, due to part to the record 65 underclassmen eligible this year.

The Super Bowl generally decides the final order for the draft. This year that isn't the case, as identical records during the regular season will keep four teams from knowing where they'll be picking until the Scouting Combine later this month.

Coin flips will determine whether the Carolina Panthers or Miami Dolphins picking eighth or ninth. The 7-9 Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks will also have to wait for a coin flip to find out whether they'll be picking 11th or 12th in April.

NFL Mock Draft - 2/7/2012
Round 1
1. Indianapolis Colts
	Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford: A year ago at this time, it would have seemed ridiculous to think that the Colts would have the No. 1 pick and be drafting a replacement for Peyton Manning. Unless the Colts are somehow assured that Manning will overcome his three neck surgeries to return to an All-Pro level in his 15th NFL season, however, they can't possibly pass up such a "lucky" opportunity to invest in their future.
2. St. Louis Rams
	Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: Sam Bradford is a franchise quarterback -- I believe it, and more important, the Rams believe it. Don't expect them to draft another passer, though trading the pick to a QB-desperate team is certainly a strong possibility. The Rams need receiver help for Bradford desperately and may look to the back to back Biletnikoff winning Blackmon -- though he'd provide much greater value outside of the top five rather than as the No. 2 pick of the draft.
3. Minnesota Vikings
	Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California: Considering the pass rushers in the NFC North division, high-caliber blindside tackles are required. The Vikings aren't likely to pass on an opportunity to draft a future Pro Bowler. That's exactly what Kalil represents. Scouts would like to see Kalil play with more consistent technique, but he's been able to dominate at the collegiate level based only on his size (6-6, 295) and athleticism.
4. Cleveland Browns
	Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor: Browns head coach Pat Shurmur's off-hand comments that Robert Griffin III is a "tremendous talent" and "good player" is certain to create buzz in Cleveland that he could fit in their current West Coast Offense because, as Shurmur noted, "good players fit in every offense." Even Colt McCoy's biggest proponents can't help but wonder if Griffin's dazzling combination of mobility and accuracy can bring a Heisman Trophy to Baylor, what could it do for a franchise that seems perennially snake-bitten.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
	Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: Having utilized a pro-style attack to put Rutgers back on the map, don't expect new head coach Greg Schiano to abandon that approach in the NFL. LaGarrette Blount exceeded expectations as a rookie after going undrafted in 2010 but struggled last year. Clearly the Bucs have other, more pressing concerns. But Richardson's ability to make an instant impact and take pressure off the developing Josh Freeman might end up making too much sense to look elsewhere.
6. Washington Redskins
	Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU: The Redskins would love to see Griffin slide to them, but that isn't likely. Considering how owner Daniel Snyder and head coach Mike Shanahan have enjoyed making draft-day splashes in the past, don't be surprised if the team engineers a trade up to get the Heisman winner. Otherwise the Redskins could take Claiborne -- the 2011 Thorpe Award winner -- who would give the Redskins more consistent play than veteran DeAngelo Hall.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
	Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina: Head coach Mike Mularkey was hired to groom young quarterback Blaine Gabbert but with the top offensive weapons likely to help the team's 2011 first-round pick already off the board, the club's first pick in 2012 may be on the other side of the ball. Other than the eight sacks posted last year by Jeremy Mincey, the Jaguars had no defender post more than 3.5 sacks last season. Coples is a gamble. His motor isn't always running high, but he proved with a dominant showing at the Senior Bowl just how good he can be when he's playing hard.
8. Carolina Panthers
	Michael Brockers, DT, LSU: The Panthers allowed an average of 130.8 yards on the ground in 2011 and will almost surely be looking to add talent and size up front. They have their choice of several talented defensive tackles but could ultimately fall in love with the upside that Brockers, a redshirt sophomore, presents. General manager Marty Hurney made the right choice in gambling on the upside of Cam Newton last year. He'd be making a similar bet on the 6-5, 305-pound Brockers. The payoff could be just as big as the LSU star appears to be just scratching the surface of his immense potential.
9. Miami Dolphins
	Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa: The hiring of former Green Bay offensive coordinator Joe Philbin as Miami's new head coach could mean the Dolphins are positioning themselves to make a run at potential free agent quarterback Matt Flynn. Regardless of who is throwing passes for the Dolphins in 2011, he'll have a greater chance at success with improved play at right tackle, where veteran Marc Colombo was a turnstile last season. The 6-6, 305-pound Reiff remains a bit rough around the edges but is big, athletic and could pair with Jake Long to give the Dolphins the bookend tackles to fortify their offense.
10. Buffalo Bills
	Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama: Despite operating out of a 3-4 defense designed to put pressure on the opposing quarterback, Buffalo registered just 29 sacks last year -- tied for the third fewest in the league. Upshaw is powerful, played his best games under the brightest lights and like his former Alabama teammate Marcell Dareus (drafted No. 3 overall last year by Buffalo), he's pro-ready having starred in Nick Saban's 3-4 alignment with the Crimson Tide.
11. Kansas City Chiefs
	Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford: Like the Miami Dolphins, the Chiefs have individual talent up front. Barry Richardson at right tackle, however, is a weak spot that might be addressed should one of the top three tackles still be on the board. Some scouts think Martin is the most talented pass blocker in the draft. Furthermore, his mobility makes him a natural fit in the Chiefs' current zone-blocking system.
12. Seattle Seahawks
	Devon Still, DT, Penn State: Many expect the Seahawks to consider a quarterback to compete with incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson with this selection but in beating the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens last year, and matching up well with division champion San Francisco, the club may not be willing to reach to fill a perceived need. Don't be surprised if Seattle instead turns its attention to a bounty of talented defensive linemen likely to be selected in the top 15. Still, a 6-4, 310-pound defensive tackle, showed his talent and despite all of the distractions in Happy Valley last year, was the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year. Still could help inside at defensive tackle as well as provide the Seahawks with some flexibility at the five technique defensive end position should incumbent starter Red Bryant be heavily pursued in free agency.
13. Arizona Cardinals
	Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor: The Cardinals surprised many when they stuck to their board and took cornerback Patrick Peterson with the fifth pick overall last April when they had bigger areas of need. Similarly, if there were a pass rusher or offensive tackle worthy of consideration here the Cardinals would obviously be interested but with none of value available, Arizona could be forced to look at alternative options. One attractive possibility would be adding a playmaker opposite Larry Fitzgerald like Wright.
14. Dallas Cowboys
	Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama: The Cowboys' defense made gains under Rob Ryan, but inconsistencies in the secondary led to plenty of breakdowns. Kirkpatrick's recent arrest for marijuana possession could scare off some teams but Jerry Jones has shown a willingness to overlook off-field transgressions in the past. There is no denying Kirkpatrick's size and physicality would be a welcome addition to a defense in need of a shakeup in the secondary.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
	Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College: Juan Castillo was a convenient scapegoat for the fact that the Eagles didn't have a middle linebacker play with any kind of consistency in 2011. Philadelphia may be perfectly positioned to nab the most productive linebacker in recent college football history. More decorated than a wedding cake, Kuechly is the reigning Butkus, Nagurski, Lombardi and Lott Impact Trophy Award winner and has more career tackles (532) than any other linebacker in the country. That's saying something considering he's leaving after his junior season.
16. NY Jets
	Mark Barron, SS, Alabama: For all of the talent the Jets boast outside at cornerback, the play down the middle has been significantly less impressive this season. The Jets have struggled against tight ends this season and could use an instinctive, big hitting safety to fall into their lap. While the team certainly has other needs to consider, if Alabama's Mark Barron is available, perhaps it might be wise to take the easy way out.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland)
	David DeCastro, OG, Stanford: The strong play from rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green has hidden the reality that the Bengals remain a team that prides itself on running the football. DeCastro is earning comparisons to former Oakland Raider great Steve Wisniewski for his size and physical play.
18. San Diego Chargers
	Nick Perry, DE, Southern California: Some teams are hesitant to grade Perry as a top 20 prospect due to the fact that he elected to leave USC after just one highly productive season but if San Diego general manager A.J. Smith has proven anything, it is that he is willing to stick with his own team's grades rather than follow the herd. Perry, who led the Pac-12 with 9.5 sacks as a junior and may be just scratching the surface of his potential, may be able to provide the consistent pass rush that 2009 first-round pick Larry English has thus far been unable to give the Chargers.
19. Chicago Bears
	Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: With Mike Tice and not Mike Martz heading the Chicago Bears' offense, expect a focus on adding receivers with size and the strength to contribute as downfield blockers. The 6-3, 224-pound Floyd is an ideal match and would be a significant upgrade over veteran Roy Williams at split end.
20. Tennessee Titans
	Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina: Rookie defensive tackle Karl Klug led the Titans with seven sacks in 2011. Only two other Tennessee defenders registered more than three sacks. The 6-2, 270-pound Ingram lacks the size scouts would prefer and as such could be more heavily pursued by 3-4 teams looking for outside linebackers than a 4-3 team like Tennessee looking for help at defensive end. Ingram is a natural pass rusher, however, who'll make an immediate impact.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
	Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis: The Bengals finished the season ranked 10th in the NFL in rush defense but allowed at least 136 yards rushing in four of their final six games and gave up an average of 200-plus rushing yards in their last two games -- a loss to Baltimore to end the regular season and a loss to Houston in the opening round of the playoffs. Considering the fact that Cincinnati also has three defensive linemen (Frostee Rucker, Jonathan Fanene, Pat Sims) entering free agency, reinforcements could be needed via the draft. Poe is a bit raw but at 6-5, 350 pounds, he's tough to move and remarkably light on his feet.
22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta)
	Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois: The Browns got quality production from 2011 second-round pick Jabaal Sheard, who led the team with eight sacks and five forced fumbles as a rookie. He was the closest thing to a consistent pass rusher Cleveland had last year, making adding help to the position a huge priority. Mercilus posted eye-popping statistics of his own this season (16 sacks, nine forced fumbles) and though not universally graded as a first-round talent, the 6-4, 265-pounder's junior-year production could be too impressive for the Browns to ignore with their second pick of the first round.
23. Detroit Lions
	Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama: Jenkins has top 20 talent, but his off-field problems could leap him to slip. The Lions were lauded for snatching up Nick Fairley when he dropped last year and could get better immediate dividends from the playmaking Jenkins.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
	Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia: The Steelers seemingly patch up their offensive line annually, only to struggle with injuries and consistency up front. Glenn lacks the consistency to earn a first round grade from all clubs, but the 6-5, 350-pounder has the size the Steelers prefer upfront and, as a rare four-year starter with experience at left tackle, left guard and right guard he has the durability and versatility the team prioritizes on draft day. Roethlisberger was sacked five times against the Broncos.
25. Denver Broncos
	Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State: Due to the terrific play on the outside by Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil and the big hitting up the middle by D.J. Williams, the Broncos have been surprisingly stout this season against the run despite a relative lack of size and talent at defensive tackle. Worthy is a gamble as he lacks consistency, but he could be a star -- especially when protected by the type of talent John Fox has already on this roster.
26. Houston Texans
	Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers: The Texans obviously boast one of the league's preeminent receivers in Andre Johnson but his inability to remain healthy and Houston's relative inconsistent depth behind him make wide receiver an area of concern. Sanu isn't an elite athlete but at 6-2, 215 pounds he has the frame head coach Gary Kubiak prefers at the position and has the strength to help as a downfield blocker. He's also a savvy route-runner and reliable pass-catcher.
27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans)
	Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State: Cox will appeal to Bill Belichick for various reasons, not the least of which is the fact that the 6-4, 295-pound junior is just scratching the surface of his potential. And make no mistake, the potential is there for Cox to be a star. The Bulldog defensive tackle earned the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week four times this season and is highly regarded by scouts because of his size, strength and ability to play inside or out in multiple fronts. That type of versatility will also certainly intrigue Belichick.
28. Green Bay Packers
	Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska: General manager Ted Thompson loves to use high picks to fortify his offensive and defensive line. Crick is a bit off the radar of many fans due to the fact that he missed virtually all of the 2011 season with a torn pectoral muscle, but he remains highly regarded in the scouting community due to his consistency, size and versatility. At 6-4, 285 pounds, he has the bulk necessary to set the edge as a defensive end in Green Bay's 3-4 scheme.
29. Baltimore Ravens
	Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin: Veteran Matt Birk has played reasonably well for the Ravens but is weighing retirement rather than returning for his 15th NFL season. Guard Ben Grubbs, a former first-round pick and arguably Baltimore's most consistent offensive lineman when healthy, is scheduled for free agency. General manager Ozzie Newsome won't go through the 2012 draft without addressing the interior of his offensive line. Should Konz, a career center with enough size and athleticism to play guard if needed, still be on the board, the former Badger would make a great deal of sense.
30. San Francisco 49ers
	Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska: The 49ers returned to the playoffs in 2011 in large part due to the fact that they played excellent fundamental football on offense, defense and special teams. The challenge will be tougher in 2012 as they'll be facing a first place schedule which includes games against the Giants, Patriots, Packers, Saints and Lions. Considering the passing attacks they'll be facing and the fact that half of their secondary (cornerback Carlos Rogers, safety Dashon Goldson) is scheduled for free agency a battle-tested cornerback like Dennard could be appealing at this point in the draft.
31. New England Patriots
	Rueben Randle, WR, LSU: The Patriots relied heavily on All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski in 2011 and struggled to generate big plays in the passing game with him limited. Bill Belichick has shown a preference to stay away from high-maintenance, first-round wide receivers but cannot deny the need for size and speed outside.
32. NY Giants
	Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State: The Giants were likely considering an upgrade at tight end even before serious knee injuries to Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum in the Super Bowl. Allen isn't a size-speed phenom in the Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham mold but a competitive blocker with some downfield ability.

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