Not Just Another Mock Draft 2012: II

Why you ask?  Because Arabic numerals are overrated (Arabic speakers use Hindi numerals anyway).

I.  COLTS – Andrew Luck, quarterback, Stanford

Sorry, nothing interesting to report here.

II.  REDSKINS – Robert Griffin III, quarterback, Baylor

As much as D.C. suffers from a poor O-line…they ‘ve suffered worse from poor quarterback play.  If Shanahan can’t make this work…it really cuts into his legacy because he couldn’t make it quite work with Cutler either.  RG 3 and Luck are everything you want in a number one pick at quarterback.

III.  VIKINGS – Morris Claiborne, cornerback, LSU

I ‘ve seen a few mocks where Claiborne goes at this spot.  Or maybe just one, but it had me think for a moment.  Kalil may not be Joe Thomas or Jake Long, but he shouldn’t be anything worse than a franchise left tackle.  That’s worth a #3 pick.  Twincities.com referenced a Greg Cosell article pointing out how elite quarterbacks are masking poor tackle play in the current age…and here I readily agree with the columnist: Christian Ponder isn’t near elite.  He says yet…I have serious reservations about ever.  I was wrong about Aaron Rodgers, but right so far about Brady Quinn…so take my word with a grain of salt.  Okay…I’ve talked myself into it.  Here goes the jump.

IV.  BROWNS – Justin Blackmon, wide receiver, Oklahoma State

Previously I had Mo Claiborne here pairing with Joe Haden to form a scary young pair of corners…or at least a set who could develop into an elite pair.  Now that’s fried, so do they go with Kalil and have an excellent right side shored up with Joe Thomas still holding down the left?  You just can’t draft a right tackle, or a left tackle to play right, in the top five.  So…Stephon Gilmore at four is too high, Blackmon could be the pick or we have a trade with Miami ensuring they get Tannehill (or Trent Richardson if they fancy him).  I can’t picture taking a runningback in the top 10 if you’re in the AFC North, especially with talent to be had at that position later in the second round.  So, if they stay it’s Blackmon.  They’ll pick up a quarterback by round three, however.

V.  BUCCANEERS – Matt Kalil, offensive tackle, USC

So much for the precipitous drop.  Kalil upgrades a running game which needs drastic help.  I nearly went with Fletcher Cox here, as I previously upgraded their pass rush with Q Coples…but you can’t pass on a left tackle unless you already have one.

VI.  RAMS – Trent Richardson, runningback, Alabama

With Blackmon gone, do they grab Floyd or trade down?  Fletcher Cox is still available, as is Trent Richardson.  Does Jeff Fisher pick the next Eddie George here?  This is starting to sound like a fit for me.

VII.  JAGUARS – Michael Floyd, wide receiver, Notre Dame

I’m sticking with this pick…and I may regret it if Jacksonville reaches for a pass rusher.  I’m staying pat for now though.

VIII.  DOLPHINS – Ryan Tannehill, quarterback, Texas A&M

Another repeat from the last mock.

IX.  PANTHERS – Fletcher Cox, defensive tackle, Mississippi State

I still like this pick.

X.  BILLS – Mark Barron, safety, Alabama

I was considering Luke Kuechly here and maybe will go in that direction with my final selection, but for now I’m happy to see a need met in an improving defense.  There’s wide receiver help to be had in the second round and they could find a tackle at this spot, but the talent after Barron drops a half level before Harrison Smith and other teams want his services.

XI.  CHIEFS – Luke Kuechly, inside linebacker, Boston College

In this installment Kuechly moves up one spot.

XII.  SEAHAWKS – Quinton Coples, defensive end, UNC

Very athletic boom or bust player – sounds like many a ‘Hawks first round pick.

XIII.  CARDINALS – Stephon Gilmore, cornerback, South Carolina

Patrick Peterson and Gilmore form a promising young tandem of ex-SEC defenders.  Upgrading the pass rush or pass protection is also an option…but Arizona has poor luck in that department it seems.

XIV.  COWBOYS – Melvin Ingram, defensive end/linebacker, South Carolina

Gilmore is gone, as is Barron.  Reaching for Harrison Smith is too much.  It’s best to nab Melvin Ingram while he’s available to pair with Demarcus Ware.   That’s back to back Gamecocks, no less.

XV.  EAGLES – Whitney Mercilus, defensive end, Illinois

This is a reach, but Philly often does and I’m not expecting Poe to go at this point.  Brockers was the pick previously, but Reid will go for the edge rush here with RG 3 on the schedule.

XVI.  JETS – Riley Reiff, offensive tackle, Iowa

Although Rex needs a pass rusher, some of his better options are taken.  Brockers is a nice fit, as is Upshaw, but if the tackle they need falls to them, they should take him.

XVII.  BENGALS – Kendall Wright, wide receiver, Baylor

I’m keeping this one from before.

XVIII.  CHARGERS – Michael Brockers, defensive tackle, LSU

A very athletic player, Brockers is one piece in making the Chargers unit elite again.

XIX.  BEARS – Cordy Glenn, offensive tackle/offensive guard, Georgia

I’ll keep this one.  They can put off wide receiver for one more round.

XX.  TITANS – Dre Kirkpatrick, cornerback, Alabama

XXI.  BENGALS – Lamar Miller, runningback, Miami

So far, I’ve kept a few from before…this one stays unless the Bengals like Dontari Poe for their rotation.

XXII.  BROWNS – Nick Perry, defensive end, USC

I’m back-tracking…the Browns take a very good pass rusher in this pick.

XXIII.  LIONS -Rueben Randle, wide receiver, LSU

There’s talk of the Lions trading Cliff Avril to the Patriots, which probably doesn’t affect their first round position.  I wonder about the possibility of Fleener at this position, but then I’m going to go with Rueben Randle as a compliment to Megatron.

XXIV.  STEELERS – David DeCastro, offensive guard, Stanford

Alameda Ta’amu gets some consideration here as does the former pick at this position, Dont’a Hightower.  That offensive line needs to improve, so David DeCastro fills a large need.

XXV.  BRONCOS – Coby Fleener, tight end, Stanford

I was about to rant about Charley Casserly…but then realized I was reacting to Albert Breer’s latest offering.  There you go, I agree with one Breer.

XXVI.  TEXANS – Mohamed Sanu, wide receiver, Rutgers

Here’s a player to pair with Andre Johnson in the next two years.  I don’t think they address the offensive line or pass rush until the next two rounds.

XXVII. PATRIOTS – Peter Konz, center/guard, Wisconsin

This keeps pressure off of Brady up the middle and keeps the naysayers away in Baltimore.

XXVIII.  PACKERS – Harrison Smith, free safety, Notre Dame

With Nick Collins’ injury I expect the need pick will come into play here.

XXIX.  RAVENS – Chandler Jones, defensive end, Syracuse

Family overcomes Crimson Tide loyalties for Ozzie Newsome here as Art Jones III pairs with younger brother.

XXX.  FORTY-NINERS – Shea McClellin, defensive end/outside linebacker, Boise State

The Niners get a good prospect here to continue improving that defense.  Wide receiver is also an option.

XXXI.  PATRIOTS – Jerel Worthy, defensive tackle, Michigan State

Keeping this from last time.

XXXII.  GIANTS – Dont’a Hightower, inside linebacker, Alabama

One more ‘Bama product rounds out the first round and agrees with Breer’s choice.  Dontari Poe is an option, but the G-men can see a better upgrade in Hightower long term.

Not Just Another Mock Draft 2012

Why you ask?  Because Arabic numerals are overrated (Arabic speakers use Hindi numerals anyway).

I.  COLTS – Andrew Luck, quarterback, Stanford

II.  REDSKINS – Robert Griffin III, quarterback, Baylor

As much as I dislike the other team on the beltway, the right move is to select a player who might have the career Mike Vick was supposed to have.  Luck walks onto the scene as Houston’s ascent begins in earnest and RG III will have to acclimate to working through his progression with the likes of Nnamdi Asomugha and DRC downfield one week, to Justin Tuck and Pierre-Paul draped over him another.

III.  VIKINGS – Matt Kalil, left offensive tackle, USC

I honestly believe Minnesota is actively seeking to trade this pick and should be.  There are too many needs for this team to address only one need.  If they stay, it’s Kalil; but I expect they trade down and still nab Justin Blackmon or Michael Floyd in order to provide a target for Christian Ponder.

IV.  BROWNS – Morris Claiborne, cornerback, LSU

Joe Haden is emerging and now the other boundary is protected by a quality corner who I expect to become another shutdown corner.  Until further notice Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, and A.J. Green are in your division.

Again, I think it makes better sense to trade out of this pick, but I expect if Minnesota can’t manage Cleveland will have to send in the card.  The scenario which changes this game requires that a team trades up to take Blackmon before the Rams can pick him.

Trent Richardson is a popular option here, and would sell tickets, but drafting a runningback this early is far too risky.  You can find a quality runningback later in this draft but the other cornerbacks all have question marks attached.

V.  BUCCANEERS – Quinton Coples, defensive end, UNC

Grabbing Justin Blackmon is less enticing with Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams lining up on the outside.  LeGarrette Blount is serviceable for now and that offensive line needs serious upgrades.  It’s too early to reach for Reiff or DeCastro, so ‘Q’ is given the chance to pair with Adrian Clayborn whose 7.5 sacks last year paced the team.  If Gerald McCoy is able to shake off injuries and step up, a tepid pass rush becomes frightening ala the Panthers of the early 2000’s with Julius Peppers, Mike Rucker, and Kris Jenkins.  The O-line is addressed on day two.

VI.  RAMS – Justin Blackmon, wide receiver, Oklahoma State

If he’s still available, Sam Bradford has his security blanket for years.

VII.  JAGUARS – Michael Floyd, wide receiver, Notre Dame

Necessitated by the Blaine Gabbert selection and the Bucs taking Coples off the board earlier than pundits expect.  Reaching for Fletcher Cox here or plugging in Trent Richardson seems off.  While I like Melvin Ingram, I expect the Jaguars aren’t as sold on him as I am.

VIII.  DOLPHINS – Ryan Tannehill, quarterback, Texas A&M

The right move is trading down for this team.  The Fins have far too many needs to fill in the first three rounds.  If they trade down, they may still stay in position to pick up Osweiler, a corner, a pass rusher, and a receiver.  If they stay, they have to take a quarterback for their fan base’s sake after losing out both on Manning and RG III.

IX.  PANTHERS – Fletcher Cox, defensive tackle, Mississippi State

After a study of Brian Baldinger’s mock, it makes a world of sense to me.  I like Michael Brockers’ upside, but he isn’t going out this early for many.

X.  BILLS – Riley Reiff, left offensive tackle, Iowa

This is where I really am starting to question matters.  The Bills have had a tendency to overreach on prospects.  The prime example for my mind is Donte Whitner.  Reiff has made sense for weeks, but until that card is turned in I’ll be waiting for Buffalo to do something crazy.  They’ve added two pass rushers in Mario Williams and Mark Anderson, so I don’t see a reach for Melvin Ingram.  Michael Brockers is a possibility.  Trent Richardson is tempting for a team that always seems to add a runningback off schedule.  My take: if they reach, it’s for a wide receiver or corner.  I’m not ready to pencil in Kendall Wright here when offensive tackle is such a glaring need.  Maybe they will though.

XI.  CHIEFS – Trent Richardson, runningback, Alabama

Jamaal Charles and Richardson in the same backfield sets up an absurd thunder and lightning option.  The Chiefs have a stockpile of young talent where injuries cut them down last year.  Richardson can produce right away and the tandem situation is the best thing for his career.

XII.  SEAHAWKS – Luke Kuechly, inside linebacker, Boston College

This underrated defense adds one more impressive piece.

XIII.  CARDINALS – David DeCastro, left offensive guard, Stanford

Unable to nab Michael Floyd at this position, the team adds a player who will upgrade the running game and keep Kolb’s jersey a little cleaner, at least until they take it from him.

XIV.  COWBOYS – Mark Barron, strong safety, Alabama

Safety has been a position of need for a long time.  Darren Woodson is the last legitimate cover safety option I recall and that was toward the end of his career.  Roy Williams flashed in the pan, even managed to have a rule named after him, but it seems it’s time that the ‘Boys finally address a glaring need.

XV.  EAGLES – Michael Brockers, defensive tackle, LSU

On back to back picks I agree with Baldinger.  Kuechly didn’t fall far enough and the Iggles added DeMeco Ryans to shore up an appalling linebacking core.  Reid prioritizes linemen always and it isn’t worth reaching for Jonathan Martin here when it’s not a position of need.

XVI.  JETS – Melvin Ingram, pass rusher, South Carolina

I’m catching a hunch that the Jets just might grab a wide receiver here, but I’m not going to deviate from Baldy here.  I like Ingram’s versatility and production far too much.  In short, this is the pick I’d make for my team here, so I won’t begrudge Ryan.  That’s an open invitation – pick someone else at your peril.

XVII.  BENGALS – Kendall Wright, wide receiver, Baylor

I doubt he’ll be available when next they have the chance to send in the card, so Dalton’s second option comes off the board at seventeen.  They could draft Cordy Glenn here, but I expect the offensive skill positions to be addressed twice.

XVIII.  CHARGERS – Stephon Gilmore, cornerback, South Carolina

A once proud defense has vastly diminished in the past several seasons.  Shoring up the boundary position is one less worry.

XIX.  BEARS – Cordy Glenn, offensive tackle/offensive guard, Georgia

Brandon Marshall’s reunion with Jay Cutler will be short-lived if this offensive line isn’t addressed.  Glenn’s versatility and experience playing everywhere but at center is a selling point for a team whose season essentially ended when Cutler’s season was cut short.

XX.  TITANS – Dre Kirkpatrick, cornerback, Alabama

XXI.  BENGALS – Lamar Miller, runningback, Miami

Bernard Scott and Benjarvus Green-Ellis won’t be able to pick up the slack in this running game apart from an addition.  Miller is a home run hitter.  Honestly, I expect the Bengals should be in prime position to trade up and really knock out one need.  However, Dalton gets the ball out of his hand very quickly and that’s ideal for players who work in space the way Wright and Miller can.

XXII.  BROWNS – Alshon Jeffery, wide receiver, South Carolina

Cleveland can’t afford to take a chance on a player who is still raw in Stephen Hill.  Trading back and finding Osweiler won’t work because the wide receivers still drop far too many passes.

XXIII.  LIONS – Nick Perry, defensive end, USC

I’d rather have Perry here than Mercilus.  That front four should exert its dominance even more with an upgrade who can consistently power through blockers.

XXIV.  STEELERS – Dont’a Hightower, inside linebacker, Alabama

I’m agreeing far too much with Baldy, but still this makes sense.  Farrior’s departure needs remedied.  Hightower is a big linebacker who diagnoses plays well and fits into an AFC North 3-4 splendidly.

XXV.  BRONCOS – Janoris Jenkins, cornerback, North Alabama

This pass defense was horrific last year, which was once the team’s strength.  If the Manning to Thomas connection is going to put up points, the defense will need to keep getting stops.  Jenkins’ talent is undeniable and he’s worth the risk here.

XXVI.  TEXANS – Whitney Mercilus, pass rusher, Illinois

Wade Phillips’ defense is a large reason for the emergence of this team at last.  Even without Matt Schaub, T.J. Yates was able to win games because this defense is built to attack.  Mercilus continues that trend after the loss of Mario Williams.

XXVII. PATRIOTS – Shea McClellin, defensive end/linebacker, Boise State

Belichick gets another player he can plug at multiple positions.  With Mark Anderson’s departure this is a met need.

XXVIII.  PACKERS – Harrison Smith, free safety, Notre Dame

With Nick Collins’ injury I expect the need pick will come into play here.

XXIX.  RAVENS – Courtney Upshaw, outside linebacker, Alabama

After losing fellow ‘Bama product Jarret Johnson to the Chargers, the Ravens can use Upshaw’s talents to wreak havoc opposite Terrell Suggs in passing situations without giving up Johnson’s true specialty: setting the edge.

XXX.  FORTY-NINERS – Stephen Hill, wide receiver, Georgia Tech

Dontari Poe is a possibility, but Hill’s ability to get deep and win matchups will be too much to ignore.

XXXI.  PATRIOTS – Jerel Worthy, defensive tackle, Michigan State

  Vince Wilfork almost single-handedly dominated the Ravens’ offensive line in the playoffs.  That wasn’t enough against the G-men, but the additions of Worthy and McClellin will mask a secondary which still needs addressed.

XXXII.  GIANTS – Coby Fleener, tight end, Stanford

Fleener upgrades the Giant’s already dangerous aerial attack.  David Wilson is also an option here to pair with Ahmad Bradshaw.

More information than you need about the 2012 NFL Draft: Safeties’ Edition

Numbers marked with an (*) are non-NFL Combine numbers.  Statistics released by NFL.com have been given precedence in all matters, although there seem to be significant discrepancies still.  This is an attempt to sort out a few of the numbers.

Safeties

NAME, School/University: Height & Weight – Arm, Hand Measure;

(Significant Notes).

Forty yard dash [Ten yard split], Three cone drill, Twenty yard shuttle, Sixty yard shuttle; Vertical jump, Broad jump; Bench press at 225 lbs.

Free Safeties

HARRISON SMITH, Notre Dame: 6’1 213 – 32.6″, 10.3″;

• (four year starter, senior captain)
• 4.57 [4.56*], 6.63, 4.12..; 34″, 122″; 19 reps

Impressive performance at the combine where he ‘moved like a cornerback’ bodes well for teams considering a cover safety.  Probably Harrison will be targeted in the late second/early third round.

JANZEN JACKSON, McNeese State: 5’11 193 – 31″, 9.4″;

• (transferred after starting two years at Tennessee)
• 4.64, 6.90, 4.15..; 36.5″, 125″; 9 reps

GEORGE ILOKA, Boise State: 6’3 (6’3.5*) 216 (226*) – 34.5″, 9.6″;

• 4.66 [4.59*], 7.03, 4.03, 11.75; 34.5″, 124″; 20 reps

Very long-armed, tall player who displayed some excellent movement abilities.

TRENTON (TRENT) ROBINSON, Michigan State: 5’10 197 – 31.5″,9.8″;

• 4.52 (4.43*) [4.42*], (7.08*),4.15 (4.28*)..; 35″, 125″; 15 reps

MARKELLE MARTIN, Oklahoma State: 6’0 202 – 32″, 9.3″;

• ….;..; 19 reps

JOHNNY THOMAS, Oklahoma State: 5’11 202 – 32.5″, 9.8″;

• (sat out a year for disciplinary reasons, good positional awareness)
• 4.63 (4.57*) [4.56*], 7.01, 4.25..; 35.5″, 123″; 20 reps

PHILLIP THOMAS, Syracuse: 5’11 192 – 32.1″, 10.5″;

• 4.74…; 33″, 122″; 14 reps

CHRISTIAN THOMPSON, South Carolina State: 6’0 213 – 31.5″, 8.4″;

• 4.50, 7.33, 4.13, 11.72; 31.5″, 122″; 18 reps

Strong Safeties

MARK BARRON, Alabama: 6’1 223 – 33.6″, 9.5″;

• (two time All American, three time All SEC)
• 4.55* [4.56*]…; [34.5″*], [122″*];

ANTONIO ALLEN, South Carolina: 6’2 202 – 32.5″, 9.4″;

• (box safety)
• 4.67 (4.61*) [4.58*], 7.02, 4.25, 11.59; 34″, 118″; 17 reps

DUKE IHENACHO, San Jose State: 6’0 203 – 32.8″, 9.3″;

• (good run defender)
• 4.68, 6.78, 4.22..; 35″, 122″; 20 reps

SEAN CATTOUSE, Cal: 6’3 218 – 33″, 9.5″;

• (good man cover safety)
• 4.74 (4.68*) [1.65*], 6.99 (6.91*), 4.15 (4.12*)..; 34″ (36″*), 114″ (124″*);

JERRON MCMILLIAN, Maine: 5’11 203 – 30.6″, 9.4″;

• (physical presence against the run best suited to play in the box)
• 4.56 [4.35*], 6.69, 4.22..; 36.5″ [39″*], 120″ [126″*]; 17 reps

CYHL QUARLES, Wake Forest: 6’1 208 – 32″, 9.4″;

• (three year starter)
• 4.62, 7.21, 4.32..; 32.5″, 119″; 19 reps

CHARLES MITCHELL, Mississippi State: 5’11 202 – 30.3″, 9.5″;

• (three year starter)
• 4.63 (4.55*) [4.52*], 6.93 (6.99*), 4.22 (4.32*), 11.78; 37″ (37.5*), 127″ (125″*); 19 reps

EDWARD (EDDIE) PLEASANT, Oregon: 5’10 211 – 31″, 9.3″;

• 4.63, 7.12, 4.28..; 33.5″, 116″; 22 reps

SEANDRE (SEAN) RICHARDSON, Vanderbilt: 6’2 216 – 32.6″, 9.1″;

• (despite measurables, was a box safety at Vandy who struggled in man coverage)
• 4.52 [4.47*], 7.01 (6.90*), 4.44 (4.19*)..; 38.5″, 128″; 22 reps

BRANDON TAYLOR, LSU: 5’11 202 – 31.3″, 9.5″;

• (three year starter, effective in the box; brother, Curtis, played on LSU’s national title team and was drafted by 49ers; wore #18)
• 4.58, 7.32, 4.37..; 33.5″, 118″;

DELANO HOWELL, Stanford: 6’2 (5’10.9*) 202 – 32.3″, 8.9″;

• (high school quarterback)
• 4.54 (4.51*) [4.50*], 7.00 (7.00*), 4.29 (4.20*), 11.56; 30.5″ (38.5″*), 122″ (121″*); 12 reps [21 reps*]

6’2 or 5’11?  I realize I’m probably alone on this, but I am at a serious loss as to how there can be such a large margin for error in what ought to be a very simple measurement.

On the important end, Gil Brandt states that he had a good workout and I at least believe that.

JUSTIN BETHEL, Presbyterian: 6’0 200 – 32.4″, 9.8″;

• (four year starter)
• 4.58, 6.79, 4.30..; 39.5″, 131″; 19 reps

WINSTON GUY, Kentucky: 6’1 218 – 33″, 9″;

• (converted from corner to safety to linebacker at Kentucky)
• 4.70…;..;

KELCIE MCCRAY, Arkansas State: 5’11 (6’1.8″*) 210 (196*) – 31.1″, 9.1″;

• 4.65 [4.47*], 6.97 (7.30*), 4.15 (4.33*)..; 33″ (33.5″*), 120″ (122″*); 21 reps

Seriously, NFL.com….How can he possibly be 5’11 at the combine, but Gil Brandt says he measures 6’1 3/4″?!  Oh, the simulated outrage quivering through my fingertips just now.

Not Invited to the NFL Combine

D.J. CAMPBELL, Cal: 6’0* 201*

• (Gil Brandt considers him a second round pick)
• 4.51* [1.65*], 7.08*, 4.22*..; 38″*, 127″*; 22 reps*

NEIKO THORPE, Auburn: 6’1.3* 198*

• 4.43*, 7.19*, 4.28*..; 38″*, 137″*; 4 reps*

AARON HENRY, Wisconsin: 6’0* 203*

• 4.52* [4.50*], 6.98, 4.31*..; 39.5″*, 116″*; 16 reps*

MATT MERLETTI, UNC: 5’10* 200* – [30″*]

• 4.59* [4.55*], 6.55*, 4.27*..; 31.5″*..; 31 reps*

JOSH BUSH, Wake Forest: 5’11* 208*

• 4.51* [4.50*], 7.02*, 4.45*..; 33.5″*, 115″*; 18 reps*

CHRISTIAN SCOTT, Texas: 6’0* 220*

• [4.60*]…;..;

MICHAEL THOMAS, Stanford:

• 4.56*…; 38″*..;

TRAVIS UALE, Brigham Young: 6’2* 208*

• 4.67* [4.65*], 6.89*, 4.18*..; 36″*, 121″*; 16 reps*

TREVOR COSTON, Maine: 5’10* 200*

• [4.41*]…; [43″*], [125″*]; [6 reps*]

TAVON WILSON, Illinois: 5’11* 205*

• [4.50*]…; [32″*], [124″*]; [17 reps*]

Safeties are generally more difficult to project.  After Mark Barron, Harrison Smith, and perhaps, D.J. Campbell, a few of these names should come off the board in the third round and more should follow as teams try to add depth in an attempt to counter the receiving tight end upsurge.  Brandon Taylor and Justin Bethel are likely to make the most of their situations.  I’d like to believe in Richardson almost solely because he enters by way of Vandy, but only time can tell.