Here we go:
1. Indianapolis Colts
QB Andrew Luck
Stanford
This one has turned into a given. Luck will be a Colt, unfortunately. The Colts are rebuilding and have a chance to take an elite franchise QB. They’d have to be deaf, dumb and blind to pass on this one.
2. St. Louis Rams
WR Justin Blackmon
Oklahoma State
The Rams have a few needs and WR is one of the bigger ones. They have Brandon Lloyd, who is a pretty good receiver, but they need someone to pair with Bradford like the Bengals did with A.J. Green and Andy Dalton. He’s a tremendous upgrade to a receiving corps that lacks playmakers.
Other possible picks: OT Matt Kalil- USC, *trade back
3. Minnesota Vikings
OT Matt Kalil
USC
The Vikings have a young QB that they just handed the franchise over to. He’s got a lot of maturing to do and the best way to help him is to keep the pressure off him. Kalil is the top lineman in the draft. The Vikings allowed 49 sacks this last season. Kalil can do a lot do bring that number down.
Other possible picks: WR Justin Blackmon
4. Cleveland Browns
RB Trent Richardson
Alabama
This is the guy I think the Browns will take, I just don’t think they’ll do it at 4. I think they’re gonna trade back, perhaps with the Redskins, or somebody else who really wants Robert Griffin III. I’m just not going to make a mess of this mock doing trades and such. This is who I expect the Browns to take, with whatever pick they end up with. Hillis is gonna be on his way out after a rough year and no contract talks happening during the season like he wanted. Richardson is another great power back who should replace him quite nicely.
Other possible picks: LB Courtney Upshaw
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CB Morris Claiborne
LSU
The Buccaneers secondary was abysmal this year. Barber was the only one holding it together and he’s not getting any younger. The Buccaneers have spent the past couple years solidifying the front four and will now look to rebuild a broken secondary. Claiborne is a great start.
Other possible picks: CB Dre Kirkpatrick
6.Washington Redskins
QB Robert Griffin, III
Baylor
This isn’t the prototypical QB that Shanahan seems to like, but the Redskins need a quarterback. Shanahan survived his first year using Grossman and Beck, but he’ll be wanting his own franchise QB to take the helm. Griffin seems to be a hot commodity and basically every mock draft site you’ll see will have him going to the Redskins. I don’t see another big QB in this draft that the Redskins can take. If they don’t address the position via free agency, this pretty much has to be the pick.
Other possible picks: WR Ashlon Jeffery
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
WR Ashlon Jeffery
South Carolina
The Jaguars were the product of bad luck this year. They had an insane amount of players on the IR by the end of the season. The new owner and coaching staff should be wanting to surround Gabbert with as many weapons as they can to help him develop into the franchise QB they hope he can be. The Jaguars WR depth is non-existent. The TE Lewis was a big disappointment this year and their number one receiver is Mike Thomas. They need receivers. Jeffery is a young talented receiver who could help the drowning franchise turn things around. It’s a little bit of a reach at 7, but they’re desperate. They could also look to grab a big name receiver in free agency and look to find a replacement for the ever sidelined Aaron Kampman.
Other possible picks: DE Quinton Coples, OLB/DE Courtney Upshaw
8. Carolina Panthers
DT Devon Still
Penn State
The Panthers got run all over this year. Chris Johnson had one of his very few good games against them, running for over 130 yards. They’ll be hoping to address that with this pick. It’s always horrifying drafting a DT in the first round, as so few turn out to be decent pros. Still is at the top of his class at the DT position and the Panthers need to do something to solidify the d-line.
Other possible picks: OG David DeCastro
9. Miami Dolphins
DE Quinton Coples
North Carolina
The Dolphins don’t have a lot of glaring holes and they proved that toward the end of the season when Moore brought life back to a team that looked like a contender for the number one pick of the draft. Jason Taylor, one of the best DE the league has ever seen, announced his retirement after their season finale. His presence on their line will be dearly missed. They still have DE Cameron Wake, why not grab another young DE to have your own pair of book ends? Coples is currently the top ranked DE in the draft. He possesses a lot of power and some have compared him to Bears DE Julius Peppers.
Other possible picks: OLB/DE Courtney Upshaw
10. Buffalo Bills
OLB/DE Courtney Upshaw
Alabama
Only two teams collect less sacks than the Buffalo Bills, one of which was the Tennessee Titans. The Bills need a playmaker LB and Upshaw is definitely one of those guys. He’s got a lot of power and can play both DE and OLB, which is a big thing to a defense like the Bills that likes to try to utilize a 3-4 defense. This is a solid pick for the Bills and really helps add some solidarity to a so-so defense.
Other possible picks: ILB Luke Kuechly
11. Kansas City Chiefs
OT Riley Reiff
Iowa
The Chiefs don’t have many glaring holes but they definitely have spots they could stand to upgrade at. Reiff is one of the top rated tackles in the upcoming draft and should help keep opposing DE off of the QB, whether it be Orton, Cassel or whomever they choose.
Other possible picks: OT Jonathan Martin
12. Seattle Seahawks
ILB Luke Kuechly
Boston
This could be another team that really wants to get their hands on Robert Griffin, III. They could try to trade up to grab him. If not, they’ll probably look to bolster a linebacking group that let go of veteran Lofa Tatupu this year and really didn’t get a great deal of impact from their linebackers, though their flaws were somewhat masked by an otherwise impressive defense. Kuechly is the best ILB in the draft and should bring a lot more stability to the position.
Other possible picks: OLB Melvin Ingram
13. Arizona Cardinals
OG David DeCastro
Stanford
The Cardinals had a lot of problems this year with Kolb being little better than worthless and Patrick Peterson suffering growing pains as a starting CB. DeCastro is a starter from day one and would be a huge addition to the line. He’d certainly help the 24th ranked rush offense and protect Kolb from getting anymore additional injuries.
Other possible picks: OLB Melvin Ingram
14. Dallas Cowboys
CB Janoris Jenkins
Alabama
The Cowboys defense was a bit of a disappointment under Rob Ryan. The backfield was constantly getting caught out of place and burned by opposing teams receivers. Jenkins’ draft stock should be rising and the Cowboys could really use a good corner to try and fix a broken secondary. They could also look at safety Mark Barron, but that’d be considered a bit of a reach at 14.
Other possible picks: S Mark Barron
15. Philadelphia Eagles
LB Dont’a Hightower
Alabama
At 6’4″ and 260 pounds, Hightower is a big, talented linebacker who can play at multiple positions as a linebacker. He should see his stock rise after a solid showing at the combine. The Eagles are a mess at LB and selecting Hightower would do wonders for a position lacking in talent.
Other possible picks: LB Luke Kuechly
16. New York Jets
OG Cordy Glenn
Georgia
The Jets have watched their line slowly fade into decay and could really use some fresh blood on it. Glenn is the second best guard in the draft and has great size at 6’5″, 348 pounds. He’s played a lot of positions on the line during college, which is always a bonus. His last position was at tackle but his lack of athleticism will push him inside to play at one of the guard positions.
Other possible picks: DE Nick Perry
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland)
CB Alfonzo Dennard
Nebraska
The Bengals have a pretty solid team that’ll only get better with age. Dennard gives the Bengals a solid pair of corners, putting him across from Leon Hall. Reports of his work at the Senior Bowl have been really up and down, depending on who you’re asking and what play they saw. He should still end up being a first round selection and will be a decent corner, though the best are already off the board.
Other possible picks: C Peter Konz
18. San Diego Chargers
OLB/DE Melvin Ingram
South Carolina
The Chargers defense hasn’t quite been the same since the departure of Shawne Merriman. Phillips is aging and the Chargers could find a great linebacker in Melvin Ingram, who can also split time at DE.
Other possible picks: DE Nick Perry
19. Chicago Bears
WR Kendall Wright
Baylor
He doesn’t have the height that you’d really like to see in a receiver you’re taking in the first round but he’s got great hands and the speed to stretch defenses. The Bears have got to give Cutler a serious receiver to throw to, as the whole Roy Williams experiment failed, as most expected. Kendall Wright could give the Bears a serious DeSean Jackson type of playmaking receiver.
Other possible picks: WR Michael Floyd
20. Tennessee Titans
S Mark Barron
Alabama
They need a playmaking DE right here and could very well take Nick Perry but he’s a little small for Gray’s scheme. He occasionally get swallowed up by blockers. The Titans could also use some help on the offensive line but are notoriously stingy with the picks they spend on offensive lineman. Peter Konz would be a great pick here, but they’ll probably pass on him. All of the Titans starting safeties are set to be free agents, though they’ll probably bring back Babineaux. Griffin is likely to leave via free agency so they’ll need another guy back there and Barron’s the top rated safety in the draft. He’s got great size, being 6’2″ and 218 pounds. He’s a playmaker and the Titans will have to take a hard look at him.
Other possible picks: C Peter Konz, DE Nick Perry, DE Whitney Mercilus
21. Cincinnati Bengals
C Peter Konz
Wisconsin
The Bengals get a great pick here with Peter Konz. They get an awesome center that can only make their offense work that much better and protect their young franchise QB Andy Dalton.
Other possible picks: WR Michael Floyd
22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta)
WR Michael Floyd
Notre Dame
Wanna make a QB better? Give the man a good receiver to throw to. I don’t think the Browns are gonna give up on Colt McCoy yet. The whole Peyton Hillis ordeal made the Browns locker room a mess this season and that definitely translated onto the field. Colts didn’t have much to throw to with Greg Little falling off hard after a decent start to the season. Floyd would give McCoy a big target to hit at 6’3″ and 224 pounds.
Other possible picks: DE Whitney Mercilus
23. Detroit Lions
DE Whitney Mercilus
Illinois
With most of the offensive lineman worth a first round pick gone, the Lions will look to add another young guy to their defensive line. Vanden Bosch isn’t getting any younger and Whitney should be a good replacement who can be thrown into a DE rotation with Bosch and Avril.
Other possible picks: OLB Zach Brown
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
DT Dontari Poe
Memphis
The Steelers have a few needs but this is the one most easily address with most of the big defensive playmakers off the board. Poe is the biggest DT tackle in the class, being 6’5″ and 350 pounds. He’s got a good motor and can should be able to transition into the NT position for the Steelers, though it may take a little time. He’s got a lot of upside and could be a great pick.
Other possible picks: OLB Zach Brown
25. Denver Broncos
DT Michael Brockers
LSU
The Broncos would’ve liked for Barron to fall to them here, but seems as he’s gone they’ll address the defensive line. The Broncos were 22nd against the run in 2011, allowing over 126 yards a game. Adding a solid DT to the line should help with that. Brockers often requires double teams and doesn’t bend. He also shows good instinct at getting after the running back. This is a solid pick for the Broncos.
Other possible picks: DE/OLB Nick Perry
26. Houston Texans
DE/OLB Nick Perry
USC
The Texans get a steal here. After letting Mario Williams go in free agency they get a nice replacement in Perry. Perry can rush the passer as well as drop back in coverage and should fit well into DC Phillips scheme.
Other possible picks: WR Mohamed Sanu
27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans)
WR Mohamed Sanu
Rutgers
The Patriots have a lot of offensive weapons, but they’re gluttonous whores. They also have a few older guys who could use some replacement (Branch, Chad Johnson). They notoriously go BPA and Sanu seems to fit the bill. He’s got long arms and sure hands. Sanu’s got good football instincts and could be a nice fit for the Patriots.
Other possible picks: OLB Zach Brown
28. Green Bay Packers
OLB Zach Brown
North Carolina
The Packers don’t have any real glaring holes. They could use a safety, but there’s not really any worth taking at this pick. Their linebacker depth is a little shallow so they’ll feel good taking Brown. He’s not very large but makes up for that in speed and strength.
Other possible picks: OT Jonathan Martin
29. Baltimore Ravens
DE/OLB Andre Branch
Clemson
The Ravens don’t have any huge holes but could benefit from getting a younger guy who can play DE or OLB. Branch has a lot of speed and is a pretty good sized guy at 6’5″, 260 pounds. He could be quite effective at getting to the QB if used correctly.
Other possible picks: OT Jonathan Martin
30. San Francisco 49ers
OT Jonathan Martin
Stanford
The 49ers gave up 44 sacks this year. A quarterback can’t last long when he takes beatings like that. The 49ers get a solid offensive lineman that their coach is quite familiar with and they fill a need.
Other possible picks: DE/DT Jared Crick
31.New England Patriots
OLB Ronnell Lewis
Oklahoma
I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see the Patriots trade this pick. That being said we’re just gonna pretend they don’t. The Patriots grab Ronnell Lewis. He’s got a mean streak that every coach likes to see in his defensive players and has good awareness and speed. He adds to one of the weaker spots in the Patriots defense.
Other possible picks: DE Jared Crick
32.New York Giants
OLB Bobby Wagner
Utah State
The Giants haven’t really found a sync with their linebacking corps. They brought in Keith Bulluck a couple of years ago but couldn’t get much from him. Wagner is pretty solid in most aspects. He’s not a huge guy, being 6’1″ and 232 pounds, but he’s a solid tackler and would be a good pick for the Giants.
Other possible picks: OLB Bruce Irving