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Tuesday, January 3, 2012
By Daniel Wolf
Senior Writer
The 2011 regular season has ended for NFL teams who fell short of making the playoffs and that means the Top 20 spots of the draft are finalized.
There are two coin flips to determine position (coin flip will occur at the 2012 NFL Combine in February) but no more guessing on where picks will fall for all the non-playoff teams.
Without further delay, here is a full first round mock draft.
(Author note: No trades allowed in this mock draft and playoff teams' draft position is determined on playoff seed ranking or overall record.)
1. Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
No way the Colts risk passing up Peyton Manning's successor, regardless if they keep the future Hall of Famer or not, because all it takes is one more hit to end his prolific career if he stays in Indy.
2. St. Louis Rams - Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Even though a new front office and head coach will be brought into St. Louis, what will draw in a new regime will be the fact the team already has its franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford. The Rams could easily trade out of this spot to a team who falls in love with Robert Griffin III, but since there are no mock trades allowed in this article the Rams give Bradford a No. 1 receiver. Blackmon's top-end speed has been in question but playing him on the fast dome turf will help make up for it.
Related: 2012 NFL Draft: Justin Blackmon is Hands Down the Top WR Prospect in Draft Class (Video)
3. Minnesota Vikings - Matt Kalil, OT, USC
The Vikings need to protect their quarterbacks and give running back Adrian Peterson bigger holes to run through.
4. Cleveland Browns - Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
If RG3 is still on the board, the Browns could be in line to pick him if Colt McCoyisn't the answer under center, but they could also trade this pick if he's on the board to a desperate team and acquire more picks for the second-straight draft.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
The Bucs could pick running back Trent Richardson here, but they have a bigger need in their secondary.
Related: 2012 NFL Draft: LSU Tigers CB Morris Claiborne's Junior Year Propelling Him to High Draft Position (Video)
6. Washington Redskins - Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
This year's "reach of the first round award" goes to the 'Skins who need a quarterback in the worst way. If they decide to not trade the farm for a chance at Luck or RG3, then look for head coach Mike Shanahan to land the next biggest arm in this draft class in Tannehill.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
It's no secret the Jags need someone to catch passes. Can you name who their receivers currently are? Probably not and 'nuf said.
8. Miami Dolphins (won this writers' coin flip over Panthers) - Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
Matt Moore may have won games for the Fins this season as a starter, but a new head coach means a new franchise quarterback. Moore could be the starter at the beginning of the season, since Jones is still in need of further development, but Jones will be their future.
9. Carolina Panthers - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
The Panthers need help on defense and head coach Ron Rivera is a defensive guy. Look for help in the secondary with their pick here.
10. Buffalo Bills - Devon Still, DT, Penn State
The Bills need help stopping the run (they ranked 28th in stopping the run this past season) and Still is a big body to do just that at 6'4" and 310 pounds.
11. Kansas City Chiefs (won this writers' coin flip over Seahawks) - Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
The Chiefs need to protect their quarterback better.
12. Seattle Seahawks - Quinton Coples, DE, UNC
Head coach Pete Carroll has already told the media that Tavaris Jackson is their starting quarterback in 2012, and after investing in the offensive line in last year's draft, they bulk up the defensive line with Coples.
13. Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
Whether it's Kevin Kolb or John Skelton under center, the Cards need to better protect the quarterback.
14. Dallas Cowboys - Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
The Dallas secondary needs an overhaul and it all starts at cornerback.
15. Philadelphia Eagles - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
The Eagles will most likely lose DeSean Jackson to free agency, or trade him away, and the Eagles pair Jeremy Maclin with a much larger target in Jeffery.
16. New York Jets - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
It is highly unlikely Richardson falls this far, but the Jets are more than happy to grab him since Shonn Green has been more of a bust than a success in his three years in the NFL. Yeah, Greene did rush for his first 1,000-yard season this past year, but injuries and inconsistency are enough for the Jets to add a stud rusher instead.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK) - Lamar Miller, RB, Miami Hurricanes
Cincy hoped to land Richardson, but the Jets beat them to the punch by one pick. Since the Bengals need more depth at running back, then decide to grab Miller before losing out on him with their other first-round pick. Better safe than sorry.
Related: 2012 NFL Draft: Miami Hurricanes RB Lamar Miller Leaving Early, Adds Another Playmaker to First Round (Video)
18. San Diego Chargers - Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
The Chargers need pass rush and Upshaw is already a 3-4 OLB and can instantly make an impact in the Chargers' 3-4 scheme on Day 1.
19. Chicago Bears - Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
Pairing Ingram on the other side of Julius Peppers is nightmare inducing.
20. Tennessee Titans - David DeCaastro, OG, Stanford
Head coach Mike Munchak has mentioned improvements are needed on the offensive line, and their first-round pick follows suit.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
The Bengals like to take risks on highly talented players who may have off-field problems, and Jenkins is in that mold without a doubt.
22. Detroit Lions - Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
The Lions are stacked on offense but could use an upgrade in front of Matthew Stafford.
23. Cleveland Browns (via ATL) - Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Wide receiver Greg Little showed a ton of promise as a rookie starter, despite not playing for a full year due to a college suspension. He is the bigger body but the Browns need the speedy, deep threat and Wright is exactly that. A perfect compliment to Little and not to mention a great pairing since Cleveland selected Wright's college quarterback, RG3, with their other first round pick.
Related: 2012 NFL Draft: Baylor Bears Kendall Wright Makes Up For Height With Speed (Video)
24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
Ben Roethlisberger continues to get beat up every season and the Steelers need to keep bringing in offensive line help.
25. Denver Broncos - Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
Doubtful Kuechly falls this far, but if he does the Broncos would snatch him up in a second to make their strong front seven that much stronger.
26. New York Giants - Zach Brown, LB, UNC
The Giants need to stop picking defensive lineman and start picking linebackers, which is easily the one position of need on defense.
27. Houston Texans - Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Quintin Demps is set to be a free agent and possibly cash in. If the Texans cannot resign him then they could find his replacement with Barron, who is the top safety in this draft.
28. New England Patriots (via NO) - Nick Perry, OLB, USC
The Pats need help on defense, so you can expect a defense-heavy draft from them in April.
29. Baltimore Ravens - Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State
Burfict's stock may have dropped due to an average college season this past year, but Ray Lewis proved to be more fragile than in past years with injury. If there is one guy who can mentor Burfict in becoming his future replacement, it's Lewis.
30. New England Patriots - Donta' Hightower, ILB, Alabama
Defense, defense, defense is what's needed no matter what the position, so the Pats go with best player available. But don't be surprised if they trade this pick too—it's what they do every year.
31. San Francisco 49ers - Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois
The Niners need to pair another young pass rusher opposite of Aldon Smith and Mercilus could be the perfect match.
32. Green Bay Packers - Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
More beef up front always helps.
Follow National Football Authority on Twitter: @NFAuthority & @DanielWolfNFL
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Senior Writer
The 2011 regular season has ended for NFL teams who fell short of making the playoffs and that means the Top 20 spots of the draft are finalized.
There are two coin flips to determine position (coin flip will occur at the 2012 NFL Combine in February) but no more guessing on where picks will fall for all the non-playoff teams.
Without further delay, here is a full first round mock draft.
(Author note: No trades allowed in this mock draft and playoff teams' draft position is determined on playoff seed ranking or overall record.)
1. Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
No way the Colts risk passing up Peyton Manning's successor, regardless if they keep the future Hall of Famer or not, because all it takes is one more hit to end his prolific career if he stays in Indy.
2. St. Louis Rams - Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Even though a new front office and head coach will be brought into St. Louis, what will draw in a new regime will be the fact the team already has its franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford. The Rams could easily trade out of this spot to a team who falls in love with Robert Griffin III, but since there are no mock trades allowed in this article the Rams give Bradford a No. 1 receiver. Blackmon's top-end speed has been in question but playing him on the fast dome turf will help make up for it.
Related: 2012 NFL Draft: Justin Blackmon is Hands Down the Top WR Prospect in Draft Class (Video)
3. Minnesota Vikings - Matt Kalil, OT, USC
The Vikings need to protect their quarterbacks and give running back Adrian Peterson bigger holes to run through.
4. Cleveland Browns - Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
If RG3 is still on the board, the Browns could be in line to pick him if Colt McCoyisn't the answer under center, but they could also trade this pick if he's on the board to a desperate team and acquire more picks for the second-straight draft.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
The Bucs could pick running back Trent Richardson here, but they have a bigger need in their secondary.
Related: 2012 NFL Draft: LSU Tigers CB Morris Claiborne's Junior Year Propelling Him to High Draft Position (Video)
6. Washington Redskins - Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
This year's "reach of the first round award" goes to the 'Skins who need a quarterback in the worst way. If they decide to not trade the farm for a chance at Luck or RG3, then look for head coach Mike Shanahan to land the next biggest arm in this draft class in Tannehill.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
It's no secret the Jags need someone to catch passes. Can you name who their receivers currently are? Probably not and 'nuf said.
8. Miami Dolphins (won this writers' coin flip over Panthers) - Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
Matt Moore may have won games for the Fins this season as a starter, but a new head coach means a new franchise quarterback. Moore could be the starter at the beginning of the season, since Jones is still in need of further development, but Jones will be their future.
9. Carolina Panthers - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
The Panthers need help on defense and head coach Ron Rivera is a defensive guy. Look for help in the secondary with their pick here.
10. Buffalo Bills - Devon Still, DT, Penn State
The Bills need help stopping the run (they ranked 28th in stopping the run this past season) and Still is a big body to do just that at 6'4" and 310 pounds.
11. Kansas City Chiefs (won this writers' coin flip over Seahawks) - Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
The Chiefs need to protect their quarterback better.
12. Seattle Seahawks - Quinton Coples, DE, UNC
Head coach Pete Carroll has already told the media that Tavaris Jackson is their starting quarterback in 2012, and after investing in the offensive line in last year's draft, they bulk up the defensive line with Coples.
13. Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
Whether it's Kevin Kolb or John Skelton under center, the Cards need to better protect the quarterback.
14. Dallas Cowboys - Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
The Dallas secondary needs an overhaul and it all starts at cornerback.
15. Philadelphia Eagles - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
The Eagles will most likely lose DeSean Jackson to free agency, or trade him away, and the Eagles pair Jeremy Maclin with a much larger target in Jeffery.
16. New York Jets - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
It is highly unlikely Richardson falls this far, but the Jets are more than happy to grab him since Shonn Green has been more of a bust than a success in his three years in the NFL. Yeah, Greene did rush for his first 1,000-yard season this past year, but injuries and inconsistency are enough for the Jets to add a stud rusher instead.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK) - Lamar Miller, RB, Miami Hurricanes
Cincy hoped to land Richardson, but the Jets beat them to the punch by one pick. Since the Bengals need more depth at running back, then decide to grab Miller before losing out on him with their other first-round pick. Better safe than sorry.
Related: 2012 NFL Draft: Miami Hurricanes RB Lamar Miller Leaving Early, Adds Another Playmaker to First Round (Video)
18. San Diego Chargers - Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
The Chargers need pass rush and Upshaw is already a 3-4 OLB and can instantly make an impact in the Chargers' 3-4 scheme on Day 1.
19. Chicago Bears - Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
Pairing Ingram on the other side of Julius Peppers is nightmare inducing.
20. Tennessee Titans - David DeCaastro, OG, Stanford
Head coach Mike Munchak has mentioned improvements are needed on the offensive line, and their first-round pick follows suit.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
The Bengals like to take risks on highly talented players who may have off-field problems, and Jenkins is in that mold without a doubt.
22. Detroit Lions - Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
The Lions are stacked on offense but could use an upgrade in front of Matthew Stafford.
23. Cleveland Browns (via ATL) - Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Wide receiver Greg Little showed a ton of promise as a rookie starter, despite not playing for a full year due to a college suspension. He is the bigger body but the Browns need the speedy, deep threat and Wright is exactly that. A perfect compliment to Little and not to mention a great pairing since Cleveland selected Wright's college quarterback, RG3, with their other first round pick.
Related: 2012 NFL Draft: Baylor Bears Kendall Wright Makes Up For Height With Speed (Video)
24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
Ben Roethlisberger continues to get beat up every season and the Steelers need to keep bringing in offensive line help.
25. Denver Broncos - Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
Doubtful Kuechly falls this far, but if he does the Broncos would snatch him up in a second to make their strong front seven that much stronger.
26. New York Giants - Zach Brown, LB, UNC
The Giants need to stop picking defensive lineman and start picking linebackers, which is easily the one position of need on defense.
27. Houston Texans - Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Quintin Demps is set to be a free agent and possibly cash in. If the Texans cannot resign him then they could find his replacement with Barron, who is the top safety in this draft.
28. New England Patriots (via NO) - Nick Perry, OLB, USC
The Pats need help on defense, so you can expect a defense-heavy draft from them in April.
29. Baltimore Ravens - Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State
Burfict's stock may have dropped due to an average college season this past year, but Ray Lewis proved to be more fragile than in past years with injury. If there is one guy who can mentor Burfict in becoming his future replacement, it's Lewis.
30. New England Patriots - Donta' Hightower, ILB, Alabama
Defense, defense, defense is what's needed no matter what the position, so the Pats go with best player available. But don't be surprised if they trade this pick too—it's what they do every year.
31. San Francisco 49ers - Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois
The Niners need to pair another young pass rusher opposite of Aldon Smith and Mercilus could be the perfect match.
32. Green Bay Packers - Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
More beef up front always helps.
Follow National Football Authority on Twitter: @NFAuthority & @DanielWolfNFL
For more NFL coverage follow @NFA_NFL
Don't forget to Like NFA on Facebook here.
