I always enjoy making a NFL Mock Draft. The first mock I made was back in January, the second one in late February, and third one in early April, the fourth one a few days ago, and the final one today – the day of the draft. At this point in the process, I'm trying to get picks right. For example, I mock Quinton Coples to the Lions. I think he probably doesn't fall that far but I think the Lions are far more likely to take a chance on his work ethic concerns then teams like the Bears, Browns, and Titans. Basically, I believe the team most likely to end up with Coples is the Lions.
Also, I mocked top 10 draft pick trades only. I'd imagine trading will really pick up after pick 10 when the 5th year of rookie contracts become much more attractive.
Note: Many of the write-ups are exactly the same as my Mock Draft 4.0 from earlier this week.
2012 NFL Mock Draft 5.0
1st Round
1.Indianapolis Colts (2-14) – Andrew Luck, QB – Stanford
The Colts GM Ryan Grigson today officially confirmed that the Colts will indeed select Luck who is considered by many to be the best prospect in the draft since John Elway back in 1983.
2. Washington Redskins (from St. Louis Rams (2-14)) – Robert Griffin III, QB – Baylor
By trading up to the #2 pick in the NFL Draft for RG3, the Redskins could become a relevant franchise again.
3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13) – Morris Claiborne, CB – LSU
The momentum seems to be shifting towards the Vikings selecting Claiborne over Kalil if they are unable to trade down from the third overall pick. First Adam Schefter said that Kalil was not a lock at three and on Todd McShay said on Kiper's and his espn.com final pre-draft podcast that he hasn't heard what the Vikings will do but his gut is that they take Claiborne. Of course, this could always be a ploy to try to get the Buccaneers, who may have their hearts on Richardson or Claiborne to trade up. At this point, I'd say there is about a 40% chance this pick gets traded. Vegas has the odds of this pick getting traded at about 33% now.
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12) – Trent Richardson, RB - Alabama
If the rumors are true, the Browns intend on taking Richardson with the 4th overall pick even though the position has been devalued in recent years. If the Bucs trade up to the number three spot to take Richardson look for the Browns to select Morris Claiborne with this pick. Teams that Mike Holmgren has been the head coach or team president of have taken CBs 5 out of 22 times in the first round and 4 of 18 times in the second round (nearly 25% of the time). His teams have also taken safeties in the first or second round five times bringing the total percentage of first or second round picks spent on secondary players to 35%.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) –Matt Kalil, OT – USC
The Buccaneers gave up a league high 494 points this season this past season. If Claiborne goes third to the Vikings the Buccaneers will have to decide whether to try to improve their defense by drafting a lesser prospect in Fletcher Cox or take the best player available in Kalil. Their current two starting tackles are decent but are by no means above average.
6. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins (5-11) ) – Justin Blackmon, WR - Oklahoma State
The fact that the Rams didn't make a strong push for any receivers in a strong WR free agent class suggests this pick will be Blackmon. Blackmon would become the first WR 6'2" or shorter to be taken in the top six since the 5'11" Peter Warrick back in 2000. However, there is a decent chance this pick could end up being Fletcher Cox. While Jeff Fisher was the head coach in Tennessee, the Titans/Oilers selected a defensive linemen 4 out of 14 times in the first round and a 7 out of 17 times in the 2nd round.
Projected trade – Eagles trade 1.15 and 2.19 (1440 points) to the Jaguars for the 1.07 pick (1500 points)
The Eagles showed they aren't afraid of trading up for a player when they traded up for Brandon Graham in the 2010 NFL Draft. Further, both Peter King and Todd McShay have said that they hear the Eagles really like Cox and that they could trade up for him. If the Jaguars are unable to trade out of the 7 spot look for them to select CB Stephen Gilmore who has been linked to the Jaguars by Peter King and being projected to go to the Jaguars by both of cbs.com's primary mockers. There is enough interest in Cox and SS Mark Barron that I think this pick ultimately gets traded.
7. Philadelphia Eagles (from Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11))– Fletcher Cox, DT - Mississippi State
Fletcher Cox has emerged as the top DT prospect in this draft and is regarded as a very good pass rusher for a DT. The Eagles are no stranger to selecting defensive linemen having selected one with five out of their ten first round picks under Reid so Cox is someone the Eagles may well be targeting.
8. Miami Dolphins (6-10) - Ryan Tannehill, QB - Texas A&M
Look for the Dolphins to reunite Tannehill with his college head coach Mike Sherman if he makes it to the 8th pick in the draft. However, don't expect them to trade up for him unless they get paranoid and begin to believe that the Browns are going to take their guy at four.
9. Carolina Panthers (6-10) - Luke Kuechly, ILB - Boston College
On Kiper and McShay's final pre-draft podcast, McShay said he is hearing that there is a very good chance that Kuechly with the 9th overall pick. The Panthers don't have as a dire need at linebacker as they do at other defensive positions but Kuechly would still help shore up a defense that gave up the 6th most points in the league in 2011.
10. Buffalo Bills (6-10)– Mark Barron, SS - Alabama
According to Buffalo's WGR550 Joe Buscaglia the Bills are indeed extremely high on Barron and he is the front runner pick if the Bills don't trade down. The report was then disputed by CBS sportsline.com's Will Brinson who said that was just a smokescreen and that look for Michael Floyd to be the selection if they don't trade up for Kalil or trade down. Which one is true? I'm going to guess the one that came out first.
11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)) -David DeCastro, G - Stanford
With Kuechly looking like he's headed to Charlotte, the Chiefs pick arguably becomes the hardest one to predict. Lucky for them, the 5th year of rookie contracts become much more attractive at pick 11 so ultimately I believe the Chiefs will trade down. If they don't trade down, then DeCastro could be the pick. Pioli has proven to be unconventional in terms of positional value having taken a 3-4 DE third overall in 2009 and a safety fifth overall in 2010. Nonetheless, I'm having a hard time believing DeCastro will go this high.
12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9) -Michael Floyd, WR - Notre Dame
Nobody seems to be mocking Floyd to the Seahawks, but the Seahawks managed just 15 passing touchdowns in 2011 and finished 22nd in total passing yards. Sidney Rice has played in just 15 games in two years in the NFL and probably can't be relied on.
13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8) – Riley Reiff, OT - Iowa
The Cardinals are another team that Jason La Canfora says want to trade down due to the offensive line depth in this year's draft. If they get stuck at 13 and Michael Floyd is off the board, look for them to select Reiff if they believe he can be an effective LT in the NFL or OG David DeCastro if he can't. Either one should help a line that surrendered 54 sacks in 2011.
14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) – Dontari Poe, NT - Memphis
Both Poe and safety Mark Barron have been linked the Cowboys' pick. Barron is the more widely projected pick but Poe may be the probable pick even if both are on the board because 350 pound athletic freaks are rare and the Poe rumors started first (i.e. the Barron talk could be a smokescreen).
15. Jacksonville Jaguars (form Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) )– Stephen Gilmore, CB - South Carolina
If the actual draft unfolded as above, the Jaguars would have the opportunity to draft the player at 15 that appears to possibly be their fallback option at 7 if they're unable to trade down. My gut tells me Gilmore will be off the board by 15 but Prince Amukamera did slip to the Giants at pick 19 last year.
16. N.Y. Jets (8-8)) – Chandler Jones, OLB/DE - Syracuse
Jones was once considered a 2nd round talent but he has been a late riser and now is considered a lock to go in the first round. The Jets gave Aaron Maybin a first round tender earlier this off season but ESPN New York's Rich Cimini believes that Jones is one of few players that the Jets are looking at possibly taking with this pick.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Raiders (8-8)) –Dre Kirkpatrick, CB - Alabama
Kirkpatrick was cited for marijuana possession back in January and his stock has been slowly slipping since then. The Bengals, who need help at corner, don't shy away from players with red flags though and will likely look past that if they believe in Kirkpatrick's talent.
18. San Diego Chargers (8-8) – Stephen Hill, WR - Georgia Tech
Neither Michael Floyd nor Robert Meachem have shown to be anything more then serviceable WRs in their NFL careers. Consequently, the Chargers could surprise people by taking Hill. Hill is raw but the Chargers had no problems taking a flier on Northern Illinois OLB Larry English with the 16th overall pick in 2009. Hill ahead of Wright may be hard to digest but the Chargers like their WRs big.
19. Chicago Bears (8-8) –Melvin Ingram, DE - South Carolina
The Bears have shown interest in pairing Julius Peppers with a better pass rusher. Melvin Ingram was once projected in many mock drafts to go to the Jaguars with the 7th overall pick but his stock has been slipping due to having short arms for a DE.
20. Tennessee Titans (9-7) –Michael Brockers, DT – LSU
Because of concerns regarding his ability to rush the passer, Brockers could fall on draft day to the Titans. The Titans fished 31st in sacks in 2011 while giving up 4.5 ypc. However, they signed Kamerion Wimbley this off-season to play DE so a DT seems more likely here.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) – Kendall Wright, WR - Baylor
The Bengals didn't try to resign Jerome Simpson so Simpson finally signed with the Vikings this week. Cincinnati doesn't have a surefire WR to start opposite of A.J. Green so they could target Wright with their second 1st round pick.
22. Cleveland Browns (from Falcons (10-6) ) – Cordy Glenn, G/RT - Georgia
The Browns finished 30th in the NFL is rushing yards and 4.4 yards per carry so the Browns could go with an offensive linemen with this pick. Holmgren's teams have selected interior offensive linemen three times in the first round. That may not seem like a lot but it is when one considers how rare it is for centers and guards to go in the first round.
23. Detroit Lions (10-6) – Quinton Coples, DE - North Carolina
The Lions mantra under GM Martin Mayhew has been to select the best player available. Coples is considered a top 10 talent but has a good chance of falling in the draft due to concerns about his willingness to play and work hard. The Lions, however, have shown they aren't afraid to take a chance with a player with red flags and could very well select Coples with the 23rd overall pick despite already having a stacked defensive line. As of this morning, the Lions are reportedly looking to try to trade up to draft Gilmore, Kirkpatrick, or Barron.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) – Jonathan Martin, OT - Stanford
The Steelers surrendered 42 sacks in 2011 which tied for the 9th most in the NFL. Jonathan Martin, who is considered a better pass protector then run blocker, could help bring that total down.
25. Denver Broncos (8-8) – Jerel Worthy, DT - Michigan State
The Broncos lost 2011 starting DT Broderick Bunkley and may very well take advantage of a very deep defensive tackle draft and upgrade from the departed Bunkley through the draft.
26. Houston Texans (10-6) – Coby Fleener, TE - Stanford[
Neither Kevin Walter nor Jacoby Jones has ever blossomed into an upper end #2 WR despite being #2 and #3 on the depth chart for years. If the Texans are unable to get one of the top four wide receivers they could look to select the top pass catch tight end in the draft instead.
27. New England Patriots (from Saints (13-3)) – Shea McCellin, OLB - Boise State
Both of New England’s starting OLBs had solid seasons this year. However, neither one was a true force so it is a position the Patriots could potentially target McCellin in this year's draft. The only thing that could keep him out of the first round is his the fact that he's had three concussions.
28. Green Bay Packers (15-1) – Whitney Mercilus, OLB/DE - Illinois
Teams were able to double team Clay Mathews this season due to the lack of a threat the Packers had at the outside linebacker position opposite of him. The Packers might love nothing more then to pair him up with McCellin but might have to trade up in the draft to get him. Otherwise, they're have to settle on someone such as Mercilus.
29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4) – Don’ta Hightower, ILB – Alabama
Ray Lewis turns 37 in May so the Ravens can’t expect him to play much longer. There are questions regarding whether or not Hightower is a three down linebacker so he stands a good chance of being available at this point in the draft.
30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3) – Devon Still, DE/DT – Michigan State
49ers DE Justin Smith is coming off a solid season but he turns 33 in September. San Francisco may take advantage of a strong DT/3-4 DE class and select his long term replacement with their first round pick. Some people have the 49ers taking guard Kevin Zeitler or guard Amini Silatotu here because there is a rumor out there that the 49ers are confident that they will get who they are targeting in the first round with the 30th overall pick.
31. New England Patriots (13-3) – Harrison Smith, SS - Notre Dame
Expect the Patriots to trade this pick. However, if they are unable to trade down they could take Harrison Smith to shore up their shaky secondary. They were rumored to be interested in Smith early in the draft process and Todd McShay said he believed Smith stood a better then 50/50 chance of being selected in the first round on a recent ESPN podcast.
32. N.Y. Giants (9-7) – Doug Martin, RB – Boise State
The Giants rushing game was woeful last year during the regular season. Ahmad Bradshaw has had major issues staying healthy during his career thus far. The Giants typically wait until the later rounds to get their Rbs but could surprise people by taking one at the end of the first round.
2nd Round
1. St. Louis Rams – Kendall Reyes, DT – Connecticut
2. Indianapolis Colts – Nick Perry, OLB/DE - USC
3. Minnesota Vikings – Rueben Randle, WR - LSU
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Lavonte David, OLB - Nebraska
5. Cleveland Browns – Dwayne Allen, TE - Clemson
6. Jacksonville Jaguars – Andre Branch, DE – Clemson
7. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins) – David Wilson, RB – Virginia Tech
8. Carolina Panthers - Alshon Jeffery, WR – South Carolina
9. Buffalo Bills – Bobby Massie, OT - Mississippi
10. Miami Dolphins - Mike Adams, OT – Ohio State
11. Seattle Seahawks – Courtney Upshaw, DE - Alabama
12. Kansas City Chiefs – Brandon Weeden, QB - Oklahoma State
13. Dallas Cowboys – Kevin Zeitler, G - Wisconsin
14. Philadelphia Eagles – Zach Brown, OLB – North Carolina
15. New York Jets –Amini Silatotu, G - Midwestern State
16. New England Patriots (From Oakland Raiders) – Janoris Jenkins, CB – North Alabama
17. San Diego Chargers – Jamell Fleming, CB - Oklahoma
18. Chicago Bears – Mohamed Sanu, WR - Rutgers
19. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Arizona Cardinals (via Philadelphia Eagles**) –A.J. Jenkins, WR - Illinois
20. Tennessee Titans – Vinny Curry, DE - Marshall
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Lamar Miller, RB - Miami (Fla.)
22. Detroit Lions – Josh Robinson, CB - UCF
23. Atlanta Falcons – Ronnell Lewis, OLB - Oklahoma
24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Keleche Osemele, G/OT – Iowa State
25. Denver Broncos – Jayron Hosley, CB - Virginia Tech
26. Houston Texans –Bruce Irvin, ILB/OLB – West Virginia
******New Orleans Saints - FORFEITED******
27. Green Bay Packers – Peter Konz, C – Wisconsin
28. Baltimore Ravens – Brandon Brooks, G - Miami (Ohio)
29. San Francisco 49ers –Juron Criner, WR - Arizona
30. New England Patriots –Jared Crick, DE Nebraska
31. New York Giants – Chris Givens, WR - Wake Forest
3rd round
1. Indianapolis Colts – Chris Polk, RB – Washington
2. St. Louis Rams – Jeff Allen, OT - Illinois
3. Minnesota Vikings –Brandon Thompson, DT - Clemson
4. Cleveland Browns – Brandon Boykin, CB - Georgia
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Bobby Wagner, OLB – Utah State
6. Washington Redskins- Trumaine Johnson, CB/S - Montana
7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tyrone Crawford, DE – Boise State
8. Buffalo Bills – Casey Hayward, CB - Vanderbilt
9. Miami Dolphins – Brian Quick, WR – Appalachian State
10. Miami Dolphins – George Iloka, FS – Boise State
11. Kansas City Chiefs – Alameda Ta’amu, NT - Washington
12. Seattle Seahawks – LaMichael James, RB - Oregon
13. Houston Texans –Donald Stephenson, OT - Oklahoma
14. New York Jets – Billy Winn, DE – Boise State
15. San Diego Chargers –Isaiah Pead, RB - Cincinnati
16. Chicago Bears – Ladarius Green, TE – Louisiana-Lafayette
17. Arizona Cardinals –Marvin Jones, WR - California
18. Dallas Cowboys – Brandon Taylor, SS - LSU
19. Tennessee Titans – Trevin Wade, CB - Arizona
20. Cincinnati Bengals – Ben Jones, C - Georgia
21. Atlanta Falcons – Bernard Pierce, RB - Temple
22. Detroit Lions – Zebrie Sanders, OT – Florida State
23. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mychal Kendricks, ILB – California
24. Denver Broncos – Brock Osweiler, QB – Arizona State
25. Philadelphia Eagles – Ron Brooks, CB - LSU
26. New Orleans Saints – Cam Johnson, DE - Virginia
27. Green Bay Packers – Dwight Bentley, CB – Louisiana Lafayette
28. Baltimore Ravens – Derek Wolfe, 3-4 DE/DT - Cincinnnati
29. San Francisco 49ers – Orson Charles, TE - Georgia
30. New England Patriots – Ryan Broyles, WR - Oklahoma
31. New York Giants – Mitchell Swartz, OT - California
32. Oakland Raiders – Nigel Bradham, OLB – Florida State
blue - pick projected to be traded
green - a 1st round pick that has been changed since Mock Draft 4.0
Also, I mocked top 10 draft pick trades only. I'd imagine trading will really pick up after pick 10 when the 5th year of rookie contracts become much more attractive.
Note: Many of the write-ups are exactly the same as my Mock Draft 4.0 from earlier this week.
2012 NFL Mock Draft 5.0
1st Round
1.Indianapolis Colts (2-14) – Andrew Luck, QB – Stanford
The Colts GM Ryan Grigson today officially confirmed that the Colts will indeed select Luck who is considered by many to be the best prospect in the draft since John Elway back in 1983.
2. Washington Redskins (from St. Louis Rams (2-14)) – Robert Griffin III, QB – Baylor
By trading up to the #2 pick in the NFL Draft for RG3, the Redskins could become a relevant franchise again.
3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13) – Morris Claiborne, CB – LSU
The momentum seems to be shifting towards the Vikings selecting Claiborne over Kalil if they are unable to trade down from the third overall pick. First Adam Schefter said that Kalil was not a lock at three and on Todd McShay said on Kiper's and his espn.com final pre-draft podcast that he hasn't heard what the Vikings will do but his gut is that they take Claiborne. Of course, this could always be a ploy to try to get the Buccaneers, who may have their hearts on Richardson or Claiborne to trade up. At this point, I'd say there is about a 40% chance this pick gets traded. Vegas has the odds of this pick getting traded at about 33% now.
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12) – Trent Richardson, RB - Alabama
If the rumors are true, the Browns intend on taking Richardson with the 4th overall pick even though the position has been devalued in recent years. If the Bucs trade up to the number three spot to take Richardson look for the Browns to select Morris Claiborne with this pick. Teams that Mike Holmgren has been the head coach or team president of have taken CBs 5 out of 22 times in the first round and 4 of 18 times in the second round (nearly 25% of the time). His teams have also taken safeties in the first or second round five times bringing the total percentage of first or second round picks spent on secondary players to 35%.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) –Matt Kalil, OT – USC
The Buccaneers gave up a league high 494 points this season this past season. If Claiborne goes third to the Vikings the Buccaneers will have to decide whether to try to improve their defense by drafting a lesser prospect in Fletcher Cox or take the best player available in Kalil. Their current two starting tackles are decent but are by no means above average.
6. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins (5-11) ) – Justin Blackmon, WR - Oklahoma State
The fact that the Rams didn't make a strong push for any receivers in a strong WR free agent class suggests this pick will be Blackmon. Blackmon would become the first WR 6'2" or shorter to be taken in the top six since the 5'11" Peter Warrick back in 2000. However, there is a decent chance this pick could end up being Fletcher Cox. While Jeff Fisher was the head coach in Tennessee, the Titans/Oilers selected a defensive linemen 4 out of 14 times in the first round and a 7 out of 17 times in the 2nd round.
Projected trade – Eagles trade 1.15 and 2.19 (1440 points) to the Jaguars for the 1.07 pick (1500 points)
The Eagles showed they aren't afraid of trading up for a player when they traded up for Brandon Graham in the 2010 NFL Draft. Further, both Peter King and Todd McShay have said that they hear the Eagles really like Cox and that they could trade up for him. If the Jaguars are unable to trade out of the 7 spot look for them to select CB Stephen Gilmore who has been linked to the Jaguars by Peter King and being projected to go to the Jaguars by both of cbs.com's primary mockers. There is enough interest in Cox and SS Mark Barron that I think this pick ultimately gets traded.
7. Philadelphia Eagles (from Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11))– Fletcher Cox, DT - Mississippi State
Fletcher Cox has emerged as the top DT prospect in this draft and is regarded as a very good pass rusher for a DT. The Eagles are no stranger to selecting defensive linemen having selected one with five out of their ten first round picks under Reid so Cox is someone the Eagles may well be targeting.
8. Miami Dolphins (6-10) - Ryan Tannehill, QB - Texas A&M
Look for the Dolphins to reunite Tannehill with his college head coach Mike Sherman if he makes it to the 8th pick in the draft. However, don't expect them to trade up for him unless they get paranoid and begin to believe that the Browns are going to take their guy at four.
9. Carolina Panthers (6-10) - Luke Kuechly, ILB - Boston College
On Kiper and McShay's final pre-draft podcast, McShay said he is hearing that there is a very good chance that Kuechly with the 9th overall pick. The Panthers don't have as a dire need at linebacker as they do at other defensive positions but Kuechly would still help shore up a defense that gave up the 6th most points in the league in 2011.
10. Buffalo Bills (6-10)– Mark Barron, SS - Alabama
According to Buffalo's WGR550 Joe Buscaglia the Bills are indeed extremely high on Barron and he is the front runner pick if the Bills don't trade down. The report was then disputed by CBS sportsline.com's Will Brinson who said that was just a smokescreen and that look for Michael Floyd to be the selection if they don't trade up for Kalil or trade down. Which one is true? I'm going to guess the one that came out first.
11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)) -David DeCastro, G - Stanford
With Kuechly looking like he's headed to Charlotte, the Chiefs pick arguably becomes the hardest one to predict. Lucky for them, the 5th year of rookie contracts become much more attractive at pick 11 so ultimately I believe the Chiefs will trade down. If they don't trade down, then DeCastro could be the pick. Pioli has proven to be unconventional in terms of positional value having taken a 3-4 DE third overall in 2009 and a safety fifth overall in 2010. Nonetheless, I'm having a hard time believing DeCastro will go this high.
12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9) -Michael Floyd, WR - Notre Dame
Nobody seems to be mocking Floyd to the Seahawks, but the Seahawks managed just 15 passing touchdowns in 2011 and finished 22nd in total passing yards. Sidney Rice has played in just 15 games in two years in the NFL and probably can't be relied on.
13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8) – Riley Reiff, OT - Iowa
The Cardinals are another team that Jason La Canfora says want to trade down due to the offensive line depth in this year's draft. If they get stuck at 13 and Michael Floyd is off the board, look for them to select Reiff if they believe he can be an effective LT in the NFL or OG David DeCastro if he can't. Either one should help a line that surrendered 54 sacks in 2011.
14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) – Dontari Poe, NT - Memphis
Both Poe and safety Mark Barron have been linked the Cowboys' pick. Barron is the more widely projected pick but Poe may be the probable pick even if both are on the board because 350 pound athletic freaks are rare and the Poe rumors started first (i.e. the Barron talk could be a smokescreen).
15. Jacksonville Jaguars (form Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) )– Stephen Gilmore, CB - South Carolina
If the actual draft unfolded as above, the Jaguars would have the opportunity to draft the player at 15 that appears to possibly be their fallback option at 7 if they're unable to trade down. My gut tells me Gilmore will be off the board by 15 but Prince Amukamera did slip to the Giants at pick 19 last year.
16. N.Y. Jets (8-8)) – Chandler Jones, OLB/DE - Syracuse
Jones was once considered a 2nd round talent but he has been a late riser and now is considered a lock to go in the first round. The Jets gave Aaron Maybin a first round tender earlier this off season but ESPN New York's Rich Cimini believes that Jones is one of few players that the Jets are looking at possibly taking with this pick.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Raiders (8-8)) –Dre Kirkpatrick, CB - Alabama
Kirkpatrick was cited for marijuana possession back in January and his stock has been slowly slipping since then. The Bengals, who need help at corner, don't shy away from players with red flags though and will likely look past that if they believe in Kirkpatrick's talent.
18. San Diego Chargers (8-8) – Stephen Hill, WR - Georgia Tech
Neither Michael Floyd nor Robert Meachem have shown to be anything more then serviceable WRs in their NFL careers. Consequently, the Chargers could surprise people by taking Hill. Hill is raw but the Chargers had no problems taking a flier on Northern Illinois OLB Larry English with the 16th overall pick in 2009. Hill ahead of Wright may be hard to digest but the Chargers like their WRs big.
19. Chicago Bears (8-8) –Melvin Ingram, DE - South Carolina
The Bears have shown interest in pairing Julius Peppers with a better pass rusher. Melvin Ingram was once projected in many mock drafts to go to the Jaguars with the 7th overall pick but his stock has been slipping due to having short arms for a DE.
20. Tennessee Titans (9-7) –Michael Brockers, DT – LSU
Because of concerns regarding his ability to rush the passer, Brockers could fall on draft day to the Titans. The Titans fished 31st in sacks in 2011 while giving up 4.5 ypc. However, they signed Kamerion Wimbley this off-season to play DE so a DT seems more likely here.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) – Kendall Wright, WR - Baylor
The Bengals didn't try to resign Jerome Simpson so Simpson finally signed with the Vikings this week. Cincinnati doesn't have a surefire WR to start opposite of A.J. Green so they could target Wright with their second 1st round pick.
22. Cleveland Browns (from Falcons (10-6) ) – Cordy Glenn, G/RT - Georgia
The Browns finished 30th in the NFL is rushing yards and 4.4 yards per carry so the Browns could go with an offensive linemen with this pick. Holmgren's teams have selected interior offensive linemen three times in the first round. That may not seem like a lot but it is when one considers how rare it is for centers and guards to go in the first round.
23. Detroit Lions (10-6) – Quinton Coples, DE - North Carolina
The Lions mantra under GM Martin Mayhew has been to select the best player available. Coples is considered a top 10 talent but has a good chance of falling in the draft due to concerns about his willingness to play and work hard. The Lions, however, have shown they aren't afraid to take a chance with a player with red flags and could very well select Coples with the 23rd overall pick despite already having a stacked defensive line. As of this morning, the Lions are reportedly looking to try to trade up to draft Gilmore, Kirkpatrick, or Barron.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) – Jonathan Martin, OT - Stanford
The Steelers surrendered 42 sacks in 2011 which tied for the 9th most in the NFL. Jonathan Martin, who is considered a better pass protector then run blocker, could help bring that total down.
25. Denver Broncos (8-8) – Jerel Worthy, DT - Michigan State
The Broncos lost 2011 starting DT Broderick Bunkley and may very well take advantage of a very deep defensive tackle draft and upgrade from the departed Bunkley through the draft.
26. Houston Texans (10-6) – Coby Fleener, TE - Stanford[
Neither Kevin Walter nor Jacoby Jones has ever blossomed into an upper end #2 WR despite being #2 and #3 on the depth chart for years. If the Texans are unable to get one of the top four wide receivers they could look to select the top pass catch tight end in the draft instead.
27. New England Patriots (from Saints (13-3)) – Shea McCellin, OLB - Boise State
Both of New England’s starting OLBs had solid seasons this year. However, neither one was a true force so it is a position the Patriots could potentially target McCellin in this year's draft. The only thing that could keep him out of the first round is his the fact that he's had three concussions.
28. Green Bay Packers (15-1) – Whitney Mercilus, OLB/DE - Illinois
Teams were able to double team Clay Mathews this season due to the lack of a threat the Packers had at the outside linebacker position opposite of him. The Packers might love nothing more then to pair him up with McCellin but might have to trade up in the draft to get him. Otherwise, they're have to settle on someone such as Mercilus.
29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4) – Don’ta Hightower, ILB – Alabama
Ray Lewis turns 37 in May so the Ravens can’t expect him to play much longer. There are questions regarding whether or not Hightower is a three down linebacker so he stands a good chance of being available at this point in the draft.
30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3) – Devon Still, DE/DT – Michigan State
49ers DE Justin Smith is coming off a solid season but he turns 33 in September. San Francisco may take advantage of a strong DT/3-4 DE class and select his long term replacement with their first round pick. Some people have the 49ers taking guard Kevin Zeitler or guard Amini Silatotu here because there is a rumor out there that the 49ers are confident that they will get who they are targeting in the first round with the 30th overall pick.
31. New England Patriots (13-3) – Harrison Smith, SS - Notre Dame
Expect the Patriots to trade this pick. However, if they are unable to trade down they could take Harrison Smith to shore up their shaky secondary. They were rumored to be interested in Smith early in the draft process and Todd McShay said he believed Smith stood a better then 50/50 chance of being selected in the first round on a recent ESPN podcast.
32. N.Y. Giants (9-7) – Doug Martin, RB – Boise State
The Giants rushing game was woeful last year during the regular season. Ahmad Bradshaw has had major issues staying healthy during his career thus far. The Giants typically wait until the later rounds to get their Rbs but could surprise people by taking one at the end of the first round.
2nd Round
1. St. Louis Rams – Kendall Reyes, DT – Connecticut
2. Indianapolis Colts – Nick Perry, OLB/DE - USC
3. Minnesota Vikings – Rueben Randle, WR - LSU
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Lavonte David, OLB - Nebraska
5. Cleveland Browns – Dwayne Allen, TE - Clemson
6. Jacksonville Jaguars – Andre Branch, DE – Clemson
7. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins) – David Wilson, RB – Virginia Tech
8. Carolina Panthers - Alshon Jeffery, WR – South Carolina
9. Buffalo Bills – Bobby Massie, OT - Mississippi
10. Miami Dolphins - Mike Adams, OT – Ohio State
11. Seattle Seahawks – Courtney Upshaw, DE - Alabama
12. Kansas City Chiefs – Brandon Weeden, QB - Oklahoma State
13. Dallas Cowboys – Kevin Zeitler, G - Wisconsin
14. Philadelphia Eagles – Zach Brown, OLB – North Carolina
15. New York Jets –Amini Silatotu, G - Midwestern State
16. New England Patriots (From Oakland Raiders) – Janoris Jenkins, CB – North Alabama
17. San Diego Chargers – Jamell Fleming, CB - Oklahoma
18. Chicago Bears – Mohamed Sanu, WR - Rutgers
19. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Arizona Cardinals (via Philadelphia Eagles**) –A.J. Jenkins, WR - Illinois
20. Tennessee Titans – Vinny Curry, DE - Marshall
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Lamar Miller, RB - Miami (Fla.)
22. Detroit Lions – Josh Robinson, CB - UCF
23. Atlanta Falcons – Ronnell Lewis, OLB - Oklahoma
24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Keleche Osemele, G/OT – Iowa State
25. Denver Broncos – Jayron Hosley, CB - Virginia Tech
26. Houston Texans –Bruce Irvin, ILB/OLB – West Virginia
******New Orleans Saints - FORFEITED******
27. Green Bay Packers – Peter Konz, C – Wisconsin
28. Baltimore Ravens – Brandon Brooks, G - Miami (Ohio)
29. San Francisco 49ers –Juron Criner, WR - Arizona
30. New England Patriots –Jared Crick, DE Nebraska
31. New York Giants – Chris Givens, WR - Wake Forest
3rd round
1. Indianapolis Colts – Chris Polk, RB – Washington
2. St. Louis Rams – Jeff Allen, OT - Illinois
3. Minnesota Vikings –Brandon Thompson, DT - Clemson
4. Cleveland Browns – Brandon Boykin, CB - Georgia
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Bobby Wagner, OLB – Utah State
6. Washington Redskins- Trumaine Johnson, CB/S - Montana
7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tyrone Crawford, DE – Boise State
8. Buffalo Bills – Casey Hayward, CB - Vanderbilt
9. Miami Dolphins – Brian Quick, WR – Appalachian State
10. Miami Dolphins – George Iloka, FS – Boise State
11. Kansas City Chiefs – Alameda Ta’amu, NT - Washington
12. Seattle Seahawks – LaMichael James, RB - Oregon
13. Houston Texans –Donald Stephenson, OT - Oklahoma
14. New York Jets – Billy Winn, DE – Boise State
15. San Diego Chargers –Isaiah Pead, RB - Cincinnati
16. Chicago Bears – Ladarius Green, TE – Louisiana-Lafayette
17. Arizona Cardinals –Marvin Jones, WR - California
18. Dallas Cowboys – Brandon Taylor, SS - LSU
19. Tennessee Titans – Trevin Wade, CB - Arizona
20. Cincinnati Bengals – Ben Jones, C - Georgia
21. Atlanta Falcons – Bernard Pierce, RB - Temple
22. Detroit Lions – Zebrie Sanders, OT – Florida State
23. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mychal Kendricks, ILB – California
24. Denver Broncos – Brock Osweiler, QB – Arizona State
25. Philadelphia Eagles – Ron Brooks, CB - LSU
26. New Orleans Saints – Cam Johnson, DE - Virginia
27. Green Bay Packers – Dwight Bentley, CB – Louisiana Lafayette
28. Baltimore Ravens – Derek Wolfe, 3-4 DE/DT - Cincinnnati
29. San Francisco 49ers – Orson Charles, TE - Georgia
30. New England Patriots – Ryan Broyles, WR - Oklahoma
31. New York Giants – Mitchell Swartz, OT - California
32. Oakland Raiders – Nigel Bradham, OLB – Florida State
blue - pick projected to be traded
green - a 1st round pick that has been changed since Mock Draft 4.0
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