Doug’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft
NEPD Staff Writer: Doug Kyed
NFL Mock Draft Updated: February 10th, 2012
1. Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford (Scouting Report)
Since Peyton Manning seems to be on his way out, Andrew Luck appears to be Jim Irsay’s new quarterback. It’s a shame that Manning had to leave under the circumstances he did, and it almost seems unfair that the Colts get to add such a good player in his place.
2. St. Louis Rams
Matt Kalil, OT, USC (Scouting Report)
Jason Smith was a giant bust for the Rams, and it’s time to get a real LT to protect their franchise QB, Sam Bradford. Kalil doesn’t have any major flaws in his game and should be able to develop into an elite NFL offensive lineman.
3. Washington Redskins (via Minnesota)
Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (Scouting Report)
Washington gives up their first rounder, plus more to trade up with Minnesota to grab their franchise QB. Griffin is a special player who has a skill set like no other QB we’ve ever seen enter the league. After a season starting Rex Grossman and John Beck, the Redskins faithful will be very pleased to see the uber-athletic Griffin under center.
4. Cleveland Browns
Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama (Scouting Report)
After missing out on Griffin, the Browns still need to upgrade their offense and Richardson is the perfect guy to do it. Peyton Hillis is likely on his way out, and even if he wasn’t, the Browns could still use help at RB. Richardson can run through the tackles, has the speed to cut outside and keeps his pad level low.2
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU (Scouting Report)
Ronde Barber has to be on his way out soon, and Aqib Talib is a bomb waiting to explode. The Bucs can start to shore up their defense with the big CB out of LSU.
6. Minnesota Vikings (via Washington)
Reilly Reiff, OT, Iowa (Scouting Report)
The Vikings come out great with this trade, still acquiring a top flight LT. Christian Ponder had to deal with Charlie Johnson as his blind side protector last season, he’ll be much better off with Reiff.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina (Scouting Report)
Coples could add a spark to the mostly pass rush devoid Jaguars. You might be wondering why the Jaguars aren’t taking a WR here, but WR is very deep in this season’s draft. They can grab a quality player in rounds two or three.
8. Carolina Panthers
Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama (Scouting Notes)
Every Panthers fan that I know wisely wants to get Captain Munnerlyn off the field as a starting cornerback. Despite Kirkpatrick’s recent off the field issues, I don’t see him falling in this draft.
9. Miami Dolphins
Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama (Scouting Report)
Regardless of what defense the Dolphins are running next season, Courtney Upshaw will fit in as a pass rusher. Upshaw can fit into a number of roles and will add a spark to the Miami defense.
10. Buffalo Bills
Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford (Scouting Report)
If the Bills biggest need isn’t QB, then maybe it’s at left tackle. Martin’s a quality left tackle who can help protect Fitzpatrick and create some room for Fred Jackson to run behind.
11. Seattle Seahawks
David DeCastro, OG, Stanford (Scouting Report)
Another year, another offensive lineman. DeCastro’s a sure thing and should look great next to Russell Okung.
12. Kansas City Chiefs
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State (Scouting Report)
Assuming Dwayne Bowe walks this offseason, the Chiefs will need a premier WR for Matt Cassell to throw to. KC will be lucky to see Blackmon sitting here at 12, and if he is, he’ll bring a similar element that Bowe did.
13. Arizona Cardinals
Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State (Scouting Report)
Levi Brown is among the worst LTs in the league. Mike Adams might be a bit of a project, but he’s massive and has great upside.
14. Dallas Cowboys
Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama (Scouting Report)
The Cowboys need all the help they can get in their secondary. Jenkins is a tremendous player who can play in man or zone coverage and can press if asked to. His off the field issues that lead him to North Alabama should not make him fall far.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor (Scouting Report)
I can’t see Desean Jackson being brought or accepted back in Philadelphia, so why not take his replacement? The Eagles biggest need is at linebacker, but it feels like Andy Reid will never pull the trigger in the first round no matter how good the fit.
16. New York Jets
Nick Perry, DE, USC
The Jets biggest needs are at safety and pass rush. With Mark Barron’s recently injury rumor, I can’t imagine the Jets still taking him in round 1. Nick Perry may be a reach at 16, but he has more upside than other pass rushers out there.
