Mock NFL Draft: Picks 1 -10

 By: Brett Crow


With the 1st pick, in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select Quarterback Andrew Luck. Okay, let’s face it: This has been known since the end of the college football season. Luck has been the consensus number one almost since the last season started. And since having gotten rid of Peyton Manning, the Colts are badly in need of a quarterback.

But it’s possible: That nothing else happens. Luck was the Colt’s pick from day one, and the story broke last week that the Colts were 100% on taking him.

With the 2nd pick, in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins select Quarterback Robert Griffin III. The Redskins didn’t trade up to grab anyone else. If the draft order had stayed the way it was, then Griffin would have gone at #4 to the Browns. Anyone who wanted him had to trade ahead of the Browns, so that’s what they did.

But it’s possible: That there is no other possibility. While I can easily say that Kalil could be picked to shore up an anemic offensive line, or Claiborne to add to a secondary that lost LaRon Landry and O.J. Atogwe and only has decent starters at the corner position, it’s just not believable they don’t take Robert Griffin at this spot.

With the 3rd pick, in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Offensive Tackle Matt Kalil. I know there’s a lot of talk lately about the Vikings grabbing Claiborne, but I believe that to be more of a smokescreen than anything. Bryant McKinnie was cut by the Vikings, and Kalil provides an anchor on the line for years to come. He provides the stability on the line that the inexperienced Christian Ponder needs to perform well in Minnesota.

But it’s possible: The Vikings take Claiborne. The cornerback situation is desperate in Minnesota, with a 35 year old Antoine Winfield leading a group of lackluster cornerbacks. In a division where you face Matthew Stafford/Calvin Johnson and Aaron Rogers/Any Packer WR two times a year, you need to be able to defend the pass.

With the 4th pick, in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Wide Receiver Justin Blackmon. Honestly, I’m not even a fan of this pick, but it’s what I see happening. Assuming, Luck, Griffin, and Kalil are all off of the board at this point, this is what the Browns are picking. While the right side of the line is a problem, it’s serviceable for now. And the Browns have shown a complete lack of faith in McCoy this offseason, but they’re apparently okay with him for this season. This leaves us with Justin Blackmon. The current core of wideouts has some promise with Greg Little, but there isn’t much else. And if they really want to give McCoy a shot at having a decent season, I think you have to pick up Blackmon.

But it’s possible: The Browns take Morris Claiborne. While I believe they shore up the offense, it’s possible they try to perfect the defense. Joe Haden is a talented cornerback, but he is in no way what everyone thinks he is. I groaned every time I heard the commentators of the Browns game last season talking about how Joe Haden was one of the most promising and best young cornerbacks. The fact is, Claiborne would be immediate help to an overhyped secondary. It would be nice if teams didn’t pass on us because we had a good secondary, not because they beat us on the ground and didn’t need to pass.

With the 5th pick, in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Cornerback Morris Claiborne. Don’t be surprised if you see Tampa Bay pick up secondary help here. Tampa Bay’s Aqib Talib is going on trial in late June for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. They already picked up Eric Wright in free agency, but Claiborne would add so much to Tampa Bay’s team.

But it’s possible: That they pick up Trent Richardson. As little faith as the team has in Aqib Talib right now, they probably have as much for current running back LaGarrette Blount. The organization isn’t too high on Blount, especially since he seems to be fumbling prone and a personality issue. Trent Richardson would provide a little more stability to the position, and if all works out, the Buccaneers could have a very effective two running back system that seems to be prevalent in the NFL these days.

With the 6th pick, in the 2012 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select Defensive Tackle Fletcher Cox. Assuming that Blackmon is gone at this point, the Rams are stuck picking up Fletcher Cox. It’s not a bad pickup, but it’s not the pick they want. Fisher will work to shore up both sides of the line, as was his strategy in Tennessee.

But it’s possible: That the Rams pick up Melvin Ingram. The Rams are in desperate need of help at the linebacker position, particularly the outside. The Rams had the 31st ranked rushing defense and changing that starts at the defensive line and the linebackers.

With the 7th pick, in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Defensive End Quinton Coples. The Jaguars have gotten a lot better at this position with Jeremy Mincey looking like a solid starter. However, that’s unfortunately essentially what the line has going for it. Fellow lineman Aaron Kampman I feel is on the decline of his career and I can’t see him being a fixture on the Jacksonville line much longer. The thing is though, the Jaguars are dead set on NOT drafting here. They want to trade out for a team that wants Tannehill.

But it’s possible: That the Jaguars pick up Michael Brockers. Or Whitney Mercilus. Fact is, the Jaguars need talent on the defensive line and they can pick that up towards the middle or end of the first day. They are in a semi-valuable spot at having Miami behind them, and are desperately trying to push that Miami will take Tannehill.

With the 8th pick, in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select Quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill is coming from only two seasons as a quarterback of the Aggies to the pros. And The Dolphins couldn’t be a better fit for him. Coach of the Aggies, Mike Sherman was hired to run the offense in Miami. Tannehill will be running the exact same offense he was in college. It’s hard to see them not taking Tannehill here.

But it’s possible: They take a wideout like Michael Floyd. The Dolphins are also in desperate need of help on the defensive side of the ball. So while they can take that kind of help at this position, it just doesn’t seem likely. If Tannehill is still there, they will take him.

With the 9th pick, in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select Defensive Tackle Dontari Poe. The Panthers have a terrible lack of effective talent on the defensive line. There was reported interest in Memphis’ Dontari Poe, and with Coples off the board at this point, this move makes sense.

But it’s possible: The Panthers have a need at wide receiver and cornerback too. They can take a look to their secondary and pick up Stephen Gilmore. Gilmore is first round talent, and could go as early as the Jaguars if they stay at 7. The Panthers could also use help at wideout, but I see that as more of a day three acquisition for them.

With the 10th pick, in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select Offensive Tackle Riley Reiff. The Bills have lost Demetrius Bell. And the blindside needs to be protected, so who better than Riley Reiff? The offensive line needs to be addressed here, as this is their most pressing need.

But it’s possible: The Bills have a lot of interest in Luke Kuechly. Bills GM said that Kuechly could play all three linebacker positions for them. Unfortunately, Kuechly is first round talent, and linebacker isn’t the most pressing need on the team, so they’ll most likely miss on adding Kuechly.