2012 NFL Draft: Mock Drafting the Top 10 Picks

Here’s my first look at the top 10 picks of the 2012 NFL draft.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Whether or not it’s the Colts taking Andrew Luck, he will be the number one pick in the draft. He’s been compared to Peyton Manning, but at the time even Peyton Manning wasn’t as much of a lock for the number one pick as Luck.

2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Rams took Rodger Saffold with the 33rd pick in the 2010 NFL draft and Jason Smith with the second pick of the 2009 NFL draft. While Matt Kalil makes sense, the Rams desperately need to get Sam Bradford some playmakers.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Vikings moved down in the draft to acquire additional picks. They have needs all over the place. RG3 would likely be the pick here if someone wanted to move up. If the Vikings keep the pick (and he’s available) I think they go with Matt Kalil. Christian Ponder took way too much of a beating last year.

4. Cleveland Browns: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Somebody, possibly the Browns, could move up to get RG3. If he’s available at the four spot, the Browns will give up on Colt McCoy and start over with RG3.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The Bucs have gone defense with their first round picks the past two seasons, but their offense was dreadful. LeGarrette Blount isn’t the answer. Richardson is a complete back that should help the Bucs bounce back.

6. Washington Redskins: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

In this pass-happy league you have to find a way to slow down the opposition. In a division that features Eli Manning, Michael Vick, and Tony Romo, the Skins would do well to add Claiborne to their secondary. The Skins very well could trade up with Minnesota to land RG3. If Kalil was unavailable, CB is definitely a need for the Vikings so Claiborne would still make sense here.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Jags need to add a pass rusher, but Kirkpatrick is too good to pass up in this spot. It’s a passing league so a stud CB makes sense.

8. Carolina Panthers: Devon Still, DE/DT, Penn State

The Panthers were dreadful at stopping the run ranking 25th with 130.8 ypg allowed and 29th with 18 rushing scores allowed. They also struggled to put pressure on the quarterback, tying the Jags at 25th with 31 sacks. Still should be able to help both areas.

9. Miami Dolphins: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Dolphins were cruising toward Andrew Luck or Matt Barkley. Unfortunately they started winning behind Matt Moore and Reggie Bush, and Barkley (along with Landry Jones) returned to school. The Dolphins allowed the third most sacks (52). Getting Jake Long back healthy and pairing him with Reiff would go a long way in fixing that issue.

10. Buffalo Bills: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

If the Bills want to knock off New England they will have to put pressure on Tom Brady. The Bills ranked 27th with 29 sacks so clearly improving their pass rush is a need.

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