In January I presented my Mock Draft 1.0 and promised a new mock every month. For February I brought the gang along to rotate through picks. For this mock draft no trades of any sort were allowed. Enjoy.
1. Indianapolis Colt (Ken): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
If you are going to turn the page on the Peyton Manning era, what better way to do it than to bring in a dynamic, play-making quarterback that adds a dimension to his game that Andrew Luck can’t match? Griffin is an accurate passer with plenty of arm strength, and his mobility will be as exciting as it will be necessary as that offense rebuilds. Griffin is the sexiest player in this whole draft at a position of undeniable need for a team desperately searching for the next face of the franchise.
2. St. Louis Rams (Ronnie): Matt Kalil, OT, USC
The Rams haven't given up on Sam Bradford just yet, even though apparently Andrew Luck is still on the board. Bradford needs some better protection around him to give him a little more time, and the addition of Kalil will definitely be a start.
3. Minnesota Vikings (UK): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa.
With Luck on the board, the Vikings flirt with the idea, but ultimately they decide to stick with their 12th overall pick from last year, Christian Ponder. Kalil would have been the pick had he fallen, so it's a shame he went at two. The Vikings have a lot of needs, they could use with a wide receiver to pair up with Percy Harvin and give Ponder a nice set of targets, but I've always felt that unless the receiver is Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, or A.J. Green talent, you don't draft him in the top 10 (unless you trade up ala Falcons last year). Justin Blackmon is good, but not that level, so the Vikings decide to protect Ponder's blindside for the next decade with the next tackle off the board, Reiff.
4. Cleveland Browns (Steve): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
In record time for a first round pick the Cleveland Browns turn in the card to the Commissioner seven seconds after he announces the Reiff selection. The Browns are absolutely ecstatic with this pick as they considered trading up for a lesser QB prospect in RGIII, but now get their true top choice without having to give anything up. Cleveland now has plenty of options with their remaining selections as they now have their QB and LT locked up.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Tiller): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
New head coach Greg Schiano is going to want to improve a defense that ranked 30th in the NFL in yards allowed, and 32nd in points allowed. The aging Ronde Barber may be on his way out, and what better player to replace him with than the drafts best cover corner, Morris Claiborne.
Redskins pick and the rest of the mock after the jump...
6. Washington Redskins (Kevin): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
This is Vinny Cerrato's wet dream: The #1 rated RB and #1 WR are on the board (and a 2nd round QB-talent he has slated top 10). Although Blackmon was not a team captain and had off-field problems (DUI), Blackmon fills a major hole for the Redskins - mainly a WR that can get more than 1 YAC. He doesn't have elite speed (~4.56 40) or an elite vertical (Calvin Johnson has 12" on him), but his ability to break tackles and beat press coverage is elite. All of the short, intermediate routes play perfectly with Shanahan's offense, which at the least will draw double-coverage. I saw on a draft site that he's comparable to T.O, which I agree with (head-case aside), and I think any Redskins' fan can be happy with that type of production at WR for 15 years. Tell the Redskins trainer to dust off the #81 jersey.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (Parks): Quinton Coples, DE, UNC
The Jags have been looking for a pass rusher since the beginning of time. New coach Mike Mularkey grabs one of his son’s college teammates and the best pass rusher in the draft.
8. Miami Dolphins (Ken): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
New head coach Joe Philbin wants to switch to a 4-3 defense, making one of the top defensive linemen available an obvious choice. But Philbin is an offensive guy and Trent Richardson won't slip past him. Richardson will be a dominant runner in the NFL from day one and will allow Philbin to move Reggie Bush all over the field.
9. Carolina Panthers (Ronnie): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
The Carolina Panthers secondary is absolutely atrocious. The addition of Kirkpatrick could bolster the struggling defense that was the cause of the many Panthers losses this season. Many mocks have Kirkpatrick lower due to off-field problems. It's generally understood that college players will either partake in or be around illegal substances, and I don't believe the circumstances warrant a loss in stock.
10. Buffalo Bills (UK): Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
Third Alabama player in a row pays testament to just how good that team was this season. Upshaw is right up there in terms of talent. The Bills biggest needs are a pass rusher and a wide receiver. I don't see a wide receiver I'd take at 10, so Upshaw fits the bill (HAHAHAHA.... I'll get my coat...). The Bills are expected to transition back to a 4-3 defense this off-season, but Upshaw has the versatility to fit in both, but I do think he'll be best as a 4-3 defensive end. Team him up with Marcell Dareus from last year, and the Bills start building a strong defensive line core.
11. Kansas City Chiefs (Steve): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
New head coach Romeo Crennel, considers a number of defensive players, but then he remembers Barry Richardson is his current right tackle. Richardson is quite possibly the worst starting tackle in the NFL, and a major hole on that offensive line. Adding Adams would be a great welcome back gift for Jamal Charles and Matt Cassel, and could help Kansas City get back to the playoffs.
12. Seattle Seahawks (Tiller): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
It's very obvious the Seahawks need a QB, but there is not one worth a pick at this point. Peety may decide to wait until his Golden Boy(Barkley) enters next year anyways. DE, OG and DT are all secondary needs. I have the Seahawks going with the fastest riser in the draft in LSU product Brockers. Just like Penn State is known as Linebacker U, LSU should be known as Defensive Tackle U, for the amount of high quality prospects they churn out at the position.
13. Arizona Cardinals (Kevin): Nick Perry, DE, USC
14. Dallas Cowboys (Parks): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
Jurrah will be tempted to go after a cornerback in this spot or even a guy like Luke Kuechly, but the ‘gals interior line is terrible. To say Costa sucks would be putting it nicely, Dockery is a free agent and 73 years old, and Montrae Holland is pretty bad also.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (Ken): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
Until DeSean Jackson is resigned, I won’t be convinced the Eagles are not considering a wide receiver in the first round. Still, their need for an impact inside linebacker might trump all else. Luke Kuechly might be both the best player available and a player that fits their needs at this position. He is a strong presence in the middle, capable of playing tough against the run. I would not be looking forward to playing against him for the next decade as a Redskins fan.
16. New York Jets (Ronnie): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
The Jets basically burned their bridges with Santonio Holmes and need a playmaker at wideout. As a potential landing-spot for Peyton, the addition of 6'4" Jeffery and his physical play could be the catalyst propelling the Jets back into contention.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (UK): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia
Bengals need some help on the interior of that oline. DeCastro doesn't call to them, so Glenn is the next best guard prospect on the board. It may be slightly high for the second guard prospect to go, but Glenn offers the versatility to step outside to tackle if they needed him to.
18. San Diego Chargers (Steve): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
With Vincent Jackson too pricey to franchise the Chargers could be scrambling if their top receiver leaves via free agency. Adding Michael Floyd would give San Diego another tall physical receiver, to keep their offense flowing. The Chargers could also benefit from the marketing of a Michael and Malcolm Floyd receiving corps, though it could cause quite a bit of confusion for announcers all season (I'm looking at you Mr. Simms).
19. Chicago Bears (Kevin): Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
The Bears depth is horrid across the board, but a LB talent like Brown can't be over-looked at this spot.
20. Tennessee Titans (Parks): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
The Titans need to improve an offensive line that has sucked the life out of CJ2K. The interior line needs more of an upgrade, but with Martin dropping this far you have to grab him.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (UK): Peter Konz, C/G, Wisconsin
Having an extra pick in the first round is a bit of a luxury, and it's very tempting to take a wide receiver like wright to pair with Green, but I think the Bengals keep it simple, and build from the lines out. Konz could play center or guard, adding another versatile lineman to the group and giving the Bengals lots of options. Dalton had an amazing rookie season, adding two first round offensive lineman to protect him is a huge plus.
22. Cleveland Browns (Steve): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
The Browns are set at 3 of their 4 defensive line positions, with the lone exception being the bookend to last year's 2nd round pick Jabaal Sheard. Sheard paced the Browns last year with 8.5 sacks, but now won't be alone as Ingram is possibly the best pass rusher in this draft. Mike Holmgren laughs his way to the Hall of Fame as he lands both his 'Brett Favre' and 'Reggie White' in one draft class.
23. Detroit Lions (Tiller): Mark Barron, S, Alabama
The Lions are in need of some help along the offensive line, but with the top talent already off the board at both tackle and guard, the Lions choose to focus on their other area of need; the defensive secondary. Barron is not the most gifted athlete you'll ever see, but he makes up for this with great instincts, solid ball skills, and great hitting ability. He is a huge upgrade at the SS position, and in the opinion of the Lions, one of the best defense players on the board.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers (Parks): Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis
The Steelers front seven is becoming an ancient semblance of a defense. The Steelers will be tempted by Dont’a Hightower or "hometown" product Devon Still, but the nose tackle position is the heart of a 3-4. Casey Hampton will be 35 next season and he has serious health issues, most recently tearing his ACL.
25. Denver Broncos (Tiller): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Champ Bailey and Andre' Goodman could both file for Social Security this year. Jenkins comes in and can play right away in place of Goodman, and possibly get a year of tutelage under Bailey.
26. Houston Texans (Ronnie): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
In near record time (Browns hold the record this draft at 7 seconds) the Texans find probably the second most valuable pick in the draft for how late it is. Houston is very noticeably short at wideout and their number one, Andre Johnson, wasn't able to put up many (~400 yards) numbers due to injury. TJ Yates is young and needs weapons around him to be successful. Wright is a huge steal at 26th overall. Although he isn't a very big guy, Wright can be directly connected to the success of Baylor's Robert Griffin III and will mix nicely opposite Andre Johnson.
27. New England Patriots (Ken): Donte Paige-Moss, DE, UNC
The Patriots’ offense was the toast of the town throughout much of the 2012 season, while their defense mostly just got toasted. Donte Paige-Moss has the size and speed to be a very effective pass rusher in the NFL, though his position on this defense will depend on whether or not Belichick decides to employ a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.
28.Green Bay Packers (UK): Brandon Thompson, DE, Clemson
Packers struggled to replace Cullen Jenkins on their defensive line. There's a chance he's cut by the Eagles and resigned by the Packers, but Thompson is a much younger option with the ability to play the 5 technique.
29. Baltimore Ravens (Kevin): Ben Jones, C, Georgia
The Ravens were on borrowed time last year with Matt Birk gimping through another season. Baltimore has to address the Center position...and with that, they take Ben Jones.
30. San Francisco 49ers (Ronnie): Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
The 49'ers offense in the NFC Championship proved they are a one-dimensional team. The run is their bread and butter. The addition of a big physical guy like Sanu gives a defense something else to guard besides the occasional 20+ yard scramble from Alex Smith. Adding a passing game could be the only thing holding the 9'ers from a Super Bowl.
31. New England Patriots (Ken): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
The Patriots will likely use both first round picks to solidify their defense (unless they choose to trade down like they generally do). How refreshing it will be to have actual cornerbacks playing cornerback for them in 2012—as opposed to wide receivers doubling as corners. Gilmore has size and strength, and should be able to push for playing time quickly.
32. New York Giants (Ken): Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
Imagine the New York Giants offense after adding the top tight end prospect in the draft. I just did, and now I have to change my underpants.