2012 NFL Draft: Complete 2-Round Mock Draft

Mario CuadrosJan 21, 2012

Unless you are a fan of the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots or the New York Giants, this NFL season is over for you, and you are looking to focus on the next great thing for your favorite team: the NFL draft.

This event brings together fans from all over the country much like the Super Bowl does. You spend weeks, even months, making and reading mock drafts to have an idea of who your team is going to select when they are on the clock.

When Roger Goodell gets on that stage, and you hear that your team is on the clock, you get goosebumps: This pick can mean either a step towards being Super Bowl champs or towards mediocrity.

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When the pick is made, you either cheer or begin throwing whatever you can get your hands on at the TV in utter disgust at the pick your team's GM just made.

Who said Christmas was the best time of the year? Draft season is now beginning, and I couldn't be more excited. Let's take a look at a two-round mock draft. (I was going to include trades but it's too early to predict them.)

1.) Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

What else can I say that hasn't already been said? This is as sure a pick as there's ever been.

Luck will be able to step right in if Peyton Manning decides he wants to get traded or retire—or he can sit behind Peyton for a couple years and be even scarier than he is now. Either way, the Colts won't have to worry about the quarterback position for another 15 years.

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

This is the most obvious place where a trade is likely to happen.

Teams like the Redskins, Dolphins and even the Seahawks will be interested in trading up to get Baylor's quarterback Robert Griffin III.

If St. Louis does keep this pick, they could go two ways: Blackmon or Kalil. Sam Bradford really needs someone he can grow with and the Rams can find a tackle early in the second round.

3.) Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The best tackle prospect in this draft, Kalil would give the Vikings stability at left tackle for as long as they will stay in Minnesota.

He would help protect the Vikings' investment in Christian Ponder, their draft choice last year, and Adrian Peterson would also greet him with open arms.

Remember that Kalil beat last year's first-round pick Tyron Smith for the left tackle position at USC.

4.) Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

A lot of mock drafts have the Browns either trading up to No. 2 or taking Robert Griffin III here at four.

To me, Colt McCoy would be a very good starter if he were given help at receiver and running back. Let's face it, Greg Little is not a No. 1 receiving option, and Peyton Hillis is leaving.

The Browns have two first-round picks this year and could address both positions with immediate-impact players.

First, they would take Richardson since he won't be on the board when they pick later on. He is an improvement over Hillis and would give McCoy someone he can hand the ball off to when he's struggling.

5.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Tampa Bay surprised a lot of people when they came out swinging out of the gates at the start of the season.

It looked like this was going to be a great season for the Bucs, but then they became the Bucs again. Instead of making the playoffs, they lost 10 straight games and ended up firing head coach Raheem Morris.

It seems like the Bucs have been drafting defensive players in the first round the last 10 years. Their defensive line is one of the most solid in the league, but they're secondary is beyond horrid.

Ronde Barber is not going to play forever, and it is still unclear what's going to happen with Aquib Talib.

The Bucs would get the best cornerback prospect in this draft and would begin to improve their secondary.

6.) Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Now I know Robert Griffin isn't going to drop to No. 6, but, like I said in the intro, this mock still doesn't have any trades so I have him where he would most likely go.

The Redskins are going to try to trade up for the No. 2 pick and take him before anyone else tries to crush their dreams. It has been speculated that Mike Shanahan won't bring back Rex Grossman next season, which means they are left with John Beck. If that doesn't give the Redskins a reason to trade up, I don't know what will.

Robert Griffin, better known as RGIII, is the second-best quarterback in this draft, but would have easily been No. 1 any other year.

His combination of speed, accuracy, arm strength and intelligence is rarely seen, and he would help the Redskins head in the right direction.

7.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

In my opinion, Alshon Jeffery is right up there with Justin Blackmon in terms of skill and ability. His productivity suffered this year in part due to shaky quarterback play, while Blackmon had one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country.

When Jeffery was matched up against Dre Kirkpatrick, he caught seven passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns. When he was matched up against Alfonzo Dennard, he caught four passes for 148 yards and a touchdown.

He clearly can dominate elite cornerbacks and will do the same at the next level. He has underrated speed and will catch anything that's even remotely close. The Jaguars need someone that will help Blaine Gabbert develop into an elite quarterback sooner than later.

Maurice Jones Drew is a great running back, and Marcedes Lewis is a solid tight end, but Gabbert needs an elite receiver he can grow old with, and Jeffery is exactly what he needs.

8.) Miami Dolphins: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Miami Dolphins were left in no man's land when both Matt Barkley and Landry Jones decided to return to school for their senior seasons.

Now Miami is picking at a spot that is too high to reach for a quarterback not named Luck or Griffin and too low to take either of those two.

If Miami doesn't trade up to No. 2 to take Griffin, they will most likely go the free-agent route and try to sign Matt Flynn. With Joe Philbin as their new head coach, this will not be an impossible feat.

If they go that way, Miami will have to look at their next biggest hole: right tackle. Marc Colombo stinks, and, for the sake of any quarterback in the league, he shouldn't be starting anywhere.

Riley Reiff comes from a solid program at Iowa and will be a great addition to the Dolphins offensive line. With Jake Long, Mike Pouncey and Riley Reiff, Reggie Bush might make the Pro Bowl.

9.) Carolina Panthers: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Panthers surely look like they struck gold with last year's first-round pick Cam Newton. They will look to do the same this year when they pick at No. 9 and most likely address the defensive side of the ball.

If Alshon Jeffery is still on the board here, I think the Panthers take him, but this is too high to take any other receiver, including Michael Floyd.

With Kirkpatrick's recent arrest for marijuana, teams might be more cautious when looking at him. But if he does well in interviews, he will be a top-10 pick. He has the skill set to be a shutdown corner at the next level and would help the Panthers compete for the division from day one.

10.) Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

Upshaw is another player from Alabama—and certainly not the last one either.

The Buffalo Bills gave Ryan Fitzpatrick an extension after the Bills' incredible start to the season, but then it went downhill from there. They might also be a team trying to trade up to the No. 2 spot, but they have less ammo than the other teams.

As with the Panthers, they also struck gold with last year's first-round pick. Marcell Dareus has been a great addition to the Bills defense, but they still need other players that are able to put pressure on the quarterback. Shawn Merriman hasn't been able to be that guy so now it's time to give Upshaw a chance.

He played lights out against LSU in the National Championship game, and that surely increased his draft stock. He comes from a disciplined program at Alabama and will make an impact right away.

11.) Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Last year we thought the Chiefs were finally back to relevance in the NFL. Well we thought wrong.

This year they suffered a lot of key injuries, but they proved that they are still not ready to be an elite team in the NFL. Jonathan Martin will help protect Matt Cassel and help open up holes for Jamal Charles.

He is the third-best tackle in this draft, but would be a top-five pick any other year. He helped protect college football's gem in Andrew Luck, so he has the experience and ability to step right in and contribute.

12.) Seattle Seahawks: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Seahawks are on the verge of becoming a very good team in this league.

If they can have a better front seven and get rid of Tarvaris Jackson, they will make the playoffs on a consistent basis. Melvin Ingram will step in at defensive end right away and help this defense put more pressure on the quarterback.

Ingram was one of the SEC's most dominant defensive linemen and is by far the most athletic of them. He can play defensive end and can also stand up and play outside linebacker in a 3-4.

13.) Arizona Cardinals: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

The Cardinals made a great decision when they decided to draft Patrick Peterson with the fifth pick in last year's first round. He has been a playmaker on defense and on special teams.

Then they shocked everybody when they decided to give Kevin Kolb Brady-like money.

In this draft, they will have to address a couple positions, but they have to start with inside linebacker. Daryl Washington isn't bad and Quan Sturdivant is just a rookie, but they can't pass on Kuechly.

He would be an improvement over both of them and will help sure up the middle for the Cardinals.

14.) Dallas Cowboys: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

We found out what the Cowboys secondary was made of when they got torched by Eli Manning and the Giants on the last game of the season. The Cowboys may have found out that Terrence Newman can't be a starter and should be replaced right away (at least that's what Rob Ryan is thinking).

Alfonzo Dennard will be able to step in right away for Newman and secure one side of the field. He lacks ideal size, but his physical play will make up for it. He has the speed to keep up with anyone and will make life difficult for any receiver playing against him.

15.) Philadelphia Eagles: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State

So much for the dream team, huh? The Eagles were easily the most disappointing team this season.

Their offense was not the same as last year, and their defense was not as advertised. The Eagles can decide to go one of two ways here: inside linebacker or offensive line. Their biggest need is in the middle of the defense where they thought Casey Matthews would come in and play like his brother. Well, that didn't work out.

Burfict may have some character issues, but that won't matter. Remember when Ray Lewis had character issues coming out of Miami? The Eagles need someone that brings the same swagger as Trent Cole, and this defense could be elite.

16.) New York Jets: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Barron is, ah yes, another player from Alabama.

With Jim Leonhard going down with an injury, the Jets proved that they have no one to take his place or play the other safety position. Eric Smith gave up way too many big plays and Brodney Poole is merely a serviceable starter.

With Mark Barron, the Jets would get someone who would allow Jim Leonhard to focus on his position instead of both safety positions. Barron would step right into the strong Jets secondary, making it virtually impossible for any team to go deep against them.

Barron does an excellent job of being around the ball as well as playing in the box. He hardly misses a tackle and can cover receiver man-to-man.

17.) Cincinnati Bengals: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

The Bengals were one of the biggest surprises this season.

They hit the jackpot with A.J. Green and Andy Dalton, and have other strong players on offense including Jermaine Gresham, Jerome Simpson and Jordan Shipley. They have two first-round picks in this year's draft thanks to the Carson Palmer trade to the Oakland Raiders.

They have two really big needs that should be addressed in the first round: cornerback and running back.

With the first of their picks, the Bengals should take Gilmore, who can step right into the starting cornerback role and also serve as a return man. He is the best cornerback in this draft against the run but has to improve his man-to-man coverage.

18.) San Diego Chargers: Nick Perry, DE, USC

The Chargers got a great player in the first round last year when they drafted Corey Liuget out of Illinois. They failed to address the pass rush position; however, and it came back to haunt them.

This year, the Chargers should take a hard look at Nick Perry. He has incredible upside and will definitely help the Chargers' pass rush. The Chargers didn't have a player with more than four sacks this year so the need for a pass rush is obviously there.

19.) Chicago Bears: David De Castro, G, Stanford

The Bears found a great player in Gabe Carimi to sure up the outside of the offensive line. They still had trouble along the line this year though, especially on the interior line. They have to find a way to keep Jay Cutler healthy if they want a shot at the Super Bowl.

Bringing in David De Castro will more than sure up the inside of the line. He is the best interior lineman in a long time and will give the line, and Jay Cutler, much needed stability and protection.

Matt Forte won't argue with this pick either.

20.) Tennessee Titans: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

This may either be a steal or a reach.

Coples has seen his stock go from a sure top-10 pick to maybe a first-round pick. He has tremendous athleticism and ability to get to the quarterback, but his motor has been questioned. He also played in a stacked North Carolina front seven that included Zach Brown and Donte Paige-Moss.

His upside, however, is such that the Titans need to pull the trigger if he's available. Derrick Morgan hasn't panned out and they really need to put some pressure on the quarterback.

21.) Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (FL)

Cedric Benson has been less than spectacular for the Bengals, and they need an elite running back to help them make the playoffs on a consistent basis.

Miller is a bit of a question mark since he had limited playing time at Miami, and many thought he would go back to school. However, he made the most of the little playing time he did get.

He showed incredible burst when he hit the hole and great speed on the open field. He's a very patient runner that can also catch the ball out of the backfield.

He will be a great addition to the Bengals offense that would include A.J. Green, Jermaine Gresham and Andy Dalton.

22.) Cleveland Browns: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

I really don't see why some mock drafts have Michael Floyd going in the top ten. He's obviously a great wide receiver prospect, but not a top-ten prospect.

In this mock the Browns drafted Trent Richardson with their first pick, and now give Colt McCoy a legitimate threat at wide receiver. With Floyd in the roster, Greg Little can now move to the No. 2 slot where he would be more effective. With the addition of Richardson and Floyd, the Browns offense will be moving in the right direction.

23.) Detroit Lions: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

We saw what the Lions secondary is capable of doing against a high-powered offense like the New Orleans Saints.

Absolutely nothing.

They need to sure up the secondary to help out their front seven. They will no doubt get constant pressure on the quarterback with their defensive line if Ndamukong Suh can stay out of trouble.

Janoris Jenkins would have been a top-ten pick had he stayed out trouble while at Florida. He needs a great interview to even be considered in the first round due to his off-the-field issues.

He does have the potential to be a shut down corner, however.

24.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

It's not a surprise to see the Steelers draft a defensive player in the first round. They brought in a solid defensive lineman last year in Cameron Hayward but now need to inject some youth into their linebacking corps.

Hightower would be a great long-term solution for the Steelers whenever most of their aging linebackers retire. He has the leadership and work ethic needed to put on a Steelers uniform and will be a great addition to their already elite defense.

25.) Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

I did a mock draft two months ago, and I had the Broncos picking in the top 10 and in the running for the Luck sweepstakes. Oh, how things can change.

Tim Tebow surprised everyone and basically forced John Elway into not drafting a quarterback in the first round. We all know the Broncos didn't win because of Tim Tebow and their offense—they won because of their defense.

I have them taking a defensive tackle but wouldn't be surprised if they went with a cornerback such as Chase Minnifield from Virginia or Jayron Hosely of Virginia Tech. Either way, the Broncos should draft defense and make sure it is one of the strongest defenses in the NFL.

26.) Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

It was great to see the Texans finally make it to the playoffs. Too bad they weren't able to play 100 percent healthy.

Matt Schaub has the best wide receiver target in the game in Andre Johnson and the best running back duo in Arian Foster and Ben Tate. Adding another threat at receiver would drastically help the Texans' high-powered offense.

Kendall Wright has had his draft stock skyrocket as of late thanks, in part, to the great play of his quarterback, Robert Griffin III. He will be a welcomed addition to the Texans offense and will step right in and contribute.

27.) New England Patriots: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

I wouldn't be surprised if the Patriots decided to trade either one of their two first-round picks.

However, they have a lot of holes in the defensive side of the ball, and they can't rely solely on two tight ends and a slot receiver since teams will soon find a way to defend against it.

Their defense was awful to say the least; they will need to upgrade both the secondary and the front seven.

Brockers was part of a great LSU defense, and he was one of the playmakers on the defensive line. He wreaked havoc against opposing quarterbacks and will always be disruptive at the line of scrimmage.

28.) Green Bay Packers: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Almost everyone, including me, had the Packers picking at No. 32.

Their defense was one of the worst ever in the NFL and surely needs to be upgraded. They can't rely on Aaron Rodgers throwing for 300 yards and four touchdowns consistently in order to win.

Devon Still will help improve their defensive line where B.J. Raji is the only impact player they have.

29.) New York Giants: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

During these playoffs, the Giants have shown that they don't have a lot of holes. Their defensive line is stacked, and their secondary is playing very well.

They can maybe look at a linebacker here, but there isn't much selection this high.

If the Giants take Glenn, he will give them a franchise guard that will help protect Eli until he retires. He will also be able to open up holes for Bradshaw and Jacobs.

30.) New England Patriots: Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

With this pick the Patriots will also have to go defense.

Picking Michael Brockers earlier in the first round gives them stability on the inside of the line, but the pass rush position also needs to be looked at.

Branch can come immediately and play as a defensive end or an outside linebacker. He will be able to get constant pressure on the quarterback and will help their secondary.

31.) Baltimore Ravens: Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

The Ravens only have one player that can consistently get to the quarterback. They are still unsure if Sergio Kindle will be able to recover, and Ray Lewis is sadly contemplating retirement.

Zach Brown will immediately give the Ravens a quality pass rusher opposite Terrell Suggs. Brown played in a defense that included Quinton Coples and Donte Paige Moss and was probably the most impactful player of the three.

32.) San Francisco 49ers: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

Yes, I have the 49ers winning the Super Bowl. How can you not after the performance they had against the New Orleans Saints?

They also showed few holes that need to be addressed—but one may be at cornerback. Sure they played against the quarterback that threw for the most yards in a season, but the position should still be evaluated.

With the strong front seven that they have and the addition of a lockdown corner, the 49ers will be in business for the next ten years.

Second Round

33.) St. Louis Rams: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

34.) Indianapolis Colts: Brandon Washington, G, Miami (FL)

35.) Minnesotta Vikings: Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

36.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jayron Hosely, CB, Virginia Tech

37.) Cleveland Browns: Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska

38.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Dwyane Allen, TE, Clemson

39.) Washington Redskins: Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

40.) Carolina Panthers: Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

41.) Buffalo Bills: Jared Crick, DE, Wisconsin

42.) Miami Dolphins: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford