2012 NFL Mock Draft: Andrew Luck Not Going Number 1 Overall?
The 2011 NFL draft will be here and gone before we know it. And once that happens it is time to start looking at, talking about and dissecting the 2012 NFL draft class.
The good news for you? We've already started.
Using the reverse order of our updated Super Bowl 46 odds, we've loosely predicted the 2012 draft order using the most logical means available. While not scientific, this will work for now.
How do we determine what team needs each NFL team will face in 2012? Pure educated guesswork.
It's safe to assume at this point that Carolina will draft a quarterback, Denver will draft a defensive tackle, and so on. Here's a look at our latest 2011 mock draft if you need a refresher.
Stick with Bleacher Report over the next week for the best look at not just the 2011 NFL draft, but your first look at 2012.
1. Carolina Panthers
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Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State
For anyone who doesn't know already, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck will be the No. 1 overall pick next year if he enters the draft. Since we project Carolina to draft Cam Newton next week we can't rightly have them taking a quarterback No. 1 overall again.
Which is why Justin Blackmon sees himself as our preseason No. 1 overall pick. It's all about need, and value.
Blackmon is a huge target with exceptional hands, speed and athleticism. He compares very well to Andre and Calvin Johnson as a big target with redzone domination ability.
2. Buffalo Bills
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Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford
In 10 years of analyzing, scouting and breaking down the NFL draft I have never scouted a more perfect quarterback prospect than Andrew Luck. The only two players who come close are Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan.
Luck will be the No. 1 overall pick if he decides to leave Stanford after his redshirt junior season and enter the NFL draft. It just might mean a team like Buffalo trades up to get him.
The Bills are likely to pass on a quarterback in 2011, instead focusing on rebuilding their defense and offensive line.
Luck can have a greater impact as a rookie than either Ryan or Sam Bradford had in their first seasons.
3. Arizona Cardinals
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Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford
If Jonathan Martin is good enough to protect Andrew Luck's blindside, he's good enough for us.
Unlike the 2011 draft, which features no clear-cut franchise left tackle, the 2012 class is loaded at left tackle.
Martin is the best of the bunch, and should he choose to leave Stanford early he'll be a top 10 draft pick.
Arizona would love to find a true franchise tackle. The Cardinals 2011 selections should focus on outside linebacker and quarterback. If they can add a left tackle here they will be very, very close to contending for the NFC West crown.
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4. Washington Redskins
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Jerel Worthy, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State
The Redskins figure to add a wide receiver and quarterback in the 2011 draft, opening up their 2012 class to the defensive side of the ball.
The Redskins would absolutely love to find the disruptive Jerel Worthy available with the fourth pick in Round 1.
Worthy is a beast at defensive tackle, has the size to play nose tackle and the speed slide down to a three-technique in a four-man front.
He just might give guys like Justin Blackmon a run to be the No. 2 player on our draft board.
5. Tennessee Titans
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Brandon Jenkins, Defensive End, Florida State
If the Titans can find their quarterback of the future in the 2011 draft they will be free to use their first-rounder in 2012 on this pass rushing freak from Florida State, Brandon Jenkins.
Jenkins play in 2010 was simply phenomenal. He is a little lighter than most defensive ends, but he could put on weight to play in the NFL. He'll also be highly coveted as an outside linebacker by teams running a 3-4 defense.
Lining Jenkins up next to Nick Fairley, if the Titans choose to draft him at No. 8 overall this year, would give Tennessee an impressive right side of the defensive line.
6. Cincinnati Bengals
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Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina
The Tar Heels defense will be loaded again in 2011, and the 2012 draft should reflect that.
The Bengals have many needs on the roster, and not enough picks in the draft this year to address them all. It's likely they will add a wide receiver, quarterback and defensive tackle this year in the first three rounds.
This makes adding a premier defensive end a high priority in 2012.
Coples has the athleticism to play on the right side, with great speed and pass rushing ability. He will be a great compliment to Carlos Dunlap.
7. Denver Broncos
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Vontaze Burfict, Inside Linebacker, Arizona State
If you aren't familiar with Vontaze Burfict, write his name down and remember it for next year.
Burfict is one of the most feared tacklers in college football. He brings a tenacity, aggression and power to the linebacking position rarely seen anymore.
Denver's 4-3 defense needs a player like Burfict patrolling the middle of the field. This would allow them to play D.J. Williams at his more natural position of strongside linebacker.
8. Cleveland Browns
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Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
This might be five picks too high for Adams, but the Browns are desperate to add a quality right tackle to round out an All-Pro offensive line.
Adams is a technician at the tackle position, and already considered one of the top seniors in the 2012 class. With another good season in Columbus he will solidify his standing as a top 10 pick in next year's draft.
Cleveland's offense is close to respectability. If a top-flight wide receiver can be added in 2011 the addition of Adams here and a tight end in Round 2 would give them a very well-rounded offense.
Depending on what happens in the 2011 draft the Browns may need to look at a defensive end here too.
9. St. Louis Rams
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Knile Davis, Running Back, Arkansas
Steven Jackson turns 28 this summer, and while that might not seem old this will be his 8th NFL season. In that time he has run the ball over 1,800 times.
It's time for St. Louis to start thinking about adding a back who can share carries with Jackson, and then replace him.
Davis put up 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns with just 203 carries in the Razorbacks' pass-happy offense in 2010. With a solid 2011 he will be a Heisman candidate and our No. 1 running back.
10. Seattle Seahawks
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Cliff Harris, Cornerback, Oregon
What's missing in Seattle?
If the Seahawks use the 2011 draft to add a young quaterback and potentially a right tackle, not much.
They have talent at so many positions, but cornerback remains a potential weak link.
Cliff Harris can change that.
Harris compares well to Patrick Peterson, if only a smaller version. He's an electric playmaker in the secondary and has a shot to be drafted in the top 10 next year.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
Were it not for three alcohol-related issues during his time at Notre Dame so far, Michael Floyd might be competing with Justin Blackmon for the No. 1 wide receiver spot.
Instead he'll spend 2011 trying to rehab his image and his person in preparation for the 2012 NFL draft.
Floyd is supremely talented, but will NFL teams run away from him and his checkered past?
The Jaguars would love to have an outside receiver with Floyd's ability to run after the catch and make plays in the redzone, but at what cost?
This is a huge boom-or-bust pick.
12. Minnesota Vikings
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Ryan Broyles, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma
From the outside looking in you would not think the Vikings need to add a first-round receiver next year.
A closer look reveals that Sidney Rice may not re-sign with the team this year, depending on how CBA talks go. Percy Harvin is dangerous when healthy, but his value is as a return man and inside receiver.
The Vikings need to find someone to either replace Rice, or to compliment him on the outside.
Broyles is a playmaker. His production at Oklahoma has been amazing, and he's as NFL ready as a route-runner as any receiver in recent memory.
Of course, this pick is contingent on the Vikings finding a franchise quarterback in the 2011 offseason.
13. Oakland Raiders
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Landry Jones, Quarterback, Oklahoma
The 2011 season should give the Oakland Raiders front office time to see that Jason Campbell is not a starting quality quarterback in the NFL. Quality back up? Yes. But he won't win them any playoff games anytime soon.
Landry Jones, however, has that "something" about him that excites scouts. He's a winner, athletic enough to elude the pass rush and has an arm to die for.
Jones ranks as a middle first-round pick right now, but might be in consideration for a top three pick by next April.
14. Detroit Lions
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Alfonzo Dennard, Cornerback, Nebraska
No matter what happens in the 2011 draft the Lions will still need a cornerback in 2012. Even if they add Prince Amukamara with pick No. 13.
Should the Lions draft Amukamara this year, adding his teammate Alfonzo Dennard next year would give them a one-two punch at cornerback that would scare even the best quarterbacks.
Dennard is in the same mold as Amukamara, but maybe a touch faster and more aggressive.
15. Miami Dolphins
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Michael Egnew, Tight End, Missouri
The Dolphins hope to find their next running back in 2011, and might even add a quarterback in Round 3. This leaves the tight end position ripe for picking in 2012.
Egnew is part of the new-wave of tight ends that rarely block but provide an excellent match-up problem on the outside.
He has the legs of a receiver and the body of a power forward, making him impossible to cover with a linebacker or nickelback.
16. San Francisco 49ers
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Travis Lewis, Outside Linebacker, Oklahoma
Travis Lewis may not look like the type of outside linebacker the 49ers would want for their 3-4 defense, until you look under the hood.
Lewis ran a 4.34 in the summer of 2010 at a junior combine at Oklahoma, he can squat 515 lbs and he's a leader on a defense full of NFL talent.
Lewis may not have the raw pass rushing talent to match Von Miller of Texas A&M, but we could see a similar rise in draft stock for Lewis in the months leading up to the 2012 draft.
17. Houston Texans
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Billy Winn, Defensive Tackle, Boise State
The Texans are building a defense based on the 3-4 stylings of Wade Phillips, and to do so they will need to continually add bodies on the defensive line.
In 2011 we can plan on Houston adding at least one cornerback and one outside linebacker, and they hope a nose tackle.
This means 2012 will be the year of the defensive end for them.
Winn, at 6'4" and 290lbs, is ideal for the five-technique position in the Texans' three-man front.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Manti Te'o, Inside Linebacker, Notre Dame
The Buccaneers could use upgrades at all three linebacker positions, whether as starters or depth players. Adding a future Pro-Bowler lke Manti Te'o is a huge find for Tampa Bay.
Te'o has the tools to play inside or outside linebacker, but will be a great fit at the MIKE 'backer position in Tampa Bay's Cover 2 scheme.
Thankfully for Tampa inside linebackers are not drafted very high. Te'o will be a steal with this pick.
19. Kansas City Chiefs
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Kelechi Osemele, Offensive Guard, Iowa State
Offensive guards do not usually find themselves drafted in the first round, unless they are really good.
Kelechi Osemele fits that billing.
The Chiefs will need to replace Brian Waters at left guard in the coming seasons, and Osemele is a perfect fit for the Chiefs power-blocking scheme.
If the Chiefs can fix some holes on defense and at right tackle in 2011 they can comfortably spend a first-round pick on an offensive guard here.
20. Dallas Cowboys
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Dont'a Hightower, Inside Linebacker, Alabama
We really like Dont'a Hightower, especially at inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.
For the Cowboys, Hightower is an ideal fit at their MIKE position in Rob Ryan's aggressive 3-4 scheme. Hightower has the speed to blitz through the "A" gaps, can drop in to coverage and is stout against the run.
Hightower is a day one replacement at inside linebacker for Keith Brooking and/or Bradie James.
Teaming Hightower with Sean Lee for the next decade should excite Cowboys' fans.
21. Indianapolis Colts
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Matt Barkley, Quarterback, USC
Peyton Manning is now 35-years old, and if the 2010 season is any indication, he's starting to show signs of regression.
While the Colts can still be very successful with Manning for a few more seasons, if they can start protecting him better up front, there is still the urgency to draft his replacement sooner rather than later.
Barkley comes from a pro-style offense, has a golden arm and is smart enough to handle the NFL. Given a few seasons behind Manning he would be ready to step in and lead the Colts without too much of a drop off.
Think of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. That's what the Colts have here.
22. Chicago Bears
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Nate Potter, Offensive Tackle, Boise State
If you want a super early name as a late first-round pick who becomes a Pro Bowl player, remember Nate Potter.
Potter is a quick, athletic tackle for the Broncos of Boise State. In Chicago he will become a fixture at left tackle, a need the Bears missed out on addressing in the first round of the 2011 draft after a run on offensive tackles.
Potter will team with right tackle J'Marcus Webb to give the Bears their first solid duo at offensive tackle since the mid-80s.
23. New York Giants
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Brandon Bolden, Running Back, Ole Miss
So much about the Giants running back situation is hanging in the balance of the current CBA talks. Ahmad Bradshaw may be a free agent this year, or it might be next year. Either way the Giants need to use the first-round pick in 2012 on finding a three-down running back who can carry the load and take pressure of quarterback Eli Manning.
Brandon Bolden is the No. 1 senior running back in the country. His physical blend of running is a great mix to his quickness and shifty open-field moves.
24. San Diego Chargers
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Jared Crick, Defensive End, Nebraska
Some mock drafts and early 2012 rankings we have seen rank Crick in the top five players available for next fall. While that may be a little ambitious, he does have the tools to see himself drafted in the first round.
Crick is a great fit at defensive end in a 3-4 defense. He has the size and strength to play on the edge, and compares well to 2011 draftee J.J. Watt in terms of style of play and ability.
The Chargers are likely to add at least one defensive end in the 2011 draft, depending on how the board falls, but could stand to use another next year.
25. New Orleans Saints
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Jacquies Smith, Defensive End, Missouri
The Saints would love a chance to add Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith in the 2011 draft, but they will likely miss out on the hot-rising player.
In 2012 they will have a chance to draft his teammate.
Smith is similar to Smith, but a more complete player at defensive end. He has the frame of a speed rusher but is stout at the point of attack and able to be a three-down end for the Saints.
26. New York Jets
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Zach Brown, Outside Linebacker, North Carolina
The Jets will spend a 2011 draft pick on adding a pass rusher at outside linebacker, and chances are they'll do the same next year.
Brown is a little light for the 3-4 defense, but like Bruce Carter and Von Miller from the 2011 draft, he can add weight in his senior season.
Brown could realistically be at 245 lbs by the 2012 draft rolls around, plenty big enough to play the weakside position for the Jets.
27. Philadelphia Eagles
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Courtney Upshaw, Outside/Inside Linebacker, Alabama
Depending on the system he is drafted into, Courtney Upshaw could find himself playing at inside or outside linebacker in the NFL.
The Philadelphia Eagles would be happy to have him at either.
Upshaw has the tools to dominate an offense, and he has shown in the past he can rush the passer as well as he stops the run.
The only thing keeping Upshaw from being a top 10 pick? He's not the fastest linebacker you'll ever see. Upshaw makes up for his lack of sprinter speed by using great instincts and vision to find the ball.
28. Baltimore Ravens
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Chase Minnifield, Cornerback, Virginia
The Ravens will continue to use the draft to add cornerbacks in the first round during the 2012 draft. Chase Minnifield is a great find for them at the end of Round 1.
Minnifield is the pro-typical cornerback. At 6'0" and 185lbs he has the size to run with taller receivers. He has the speed needed to hang with the faster receivers, but will never be considered a burner at cornerback.
All-in-all, Minnifield is a very solid cornerback and a safe pick.
29. Atlanta Falcons
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Brandon Lindsey, Defensive End, Pittsburgh
The Falcons are likely to draft a defensive end early in the 2011 NFL draft to line-up opposite John Abraham. In 2012 we predict they will draft Abraham's replacement.
Lindsey is a pass rusher with a mean streak. At 6'2" and 240lbs he's undersized for the position, but the Falcons don't need huge defensive ends in their 4-3 system.
Lindsey might be a situational guy for a season as he adds weight, but watch out for him once he puts on the pounds.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Matt Reynolds, Offensive Tackle, BYU
Chances are the Steelers will miss out on the top offensive tackles in the 2011 draft, as most figure to be gone by the time their pick at No. 31 rolls around.
The bad news for Steeler fans is that Round 2 features zero left tackle prospects.
What does this mean? It means the Steelers could roll in to 2011 with the same line-up at offensive tackle.
Thankfully they will find a better class of tackles waiting for them in 2012.
Matt Reynolds is a proven left tackle, and the kind of strong tackle the Steelers will justify using a first-round pick on.
31. Green Bay Packers
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LaMichael James, Running Back, Oregon
LaMichael James might be a bit smaller than most running backs you're used to seeing in Green Bay (5'9", 185lbs), but his productivity at Oregon and his style of play will cause heads to turn in Wisconsin.
James comes to Green Bay by one of two scenarios:
1. Ryan Grant does not return to form after missing 2010 with an injury and is cut.
2. James Starks cannot handle the No. 1 job and needs a solid back to share carries with.
James might not seem pro-typical for the Packers, but his play will be an exciting addition to a vanilla running game.
32. New England Patriots
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Levy Adcock, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State
With a plethora of draft picks in the 2011 NFL draft it is hard to imagine the Patriots not filling all of their needs. But it's possible.
The Patriots are known for trading current draft picks for future picks, and it's possible they are comfortable enough with Matt Light and Sebastian Vollmer to keep them in place for the next season.
If so, replacing Light with Vollmer in 2012 and then adding a new right tackle is a key for the draft next spring.
Adcock started at right tackle in 2010, but has potential as a guard as well. He's a Patriot-style player in size and versatility.
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