2012 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Scouting Combine Analysis and Picks

Two months remain until Draft Day, but with the Combine underway things will start to fall into place very soon.

Although the number one pick overall seems to be a given, the rest of the first round still remains a mystery.

Free agency, trades, and the destination of Peyton Manning will certainly impact how the draft plays out, but for now we have plenty of information to go on.

NOTE: As much fun as it is to guess about draft day trades, at this point, they'd be exactly that: guesses. So for now, no trade assumptions on this mock. 

No. 1: Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

You never want to say that something on Draft Day is a sure thing—unless the first overall pick has already been signed—but Andrew Luck is as close to a sure thing as is possible.

A year ago that would have seemed strange since the Colts have Peyton Manning (as of now), but regardless of Manning's fate, Indy has to find either a replacement or heir apparent.

And although Robert Griffin has been labeled a challenger to Luck, that's all smoke and mirrors. Every draft needs a Blaine Gabbert to a Cam Newton, a Ryan Leaf to a Peyton Manning, and a Rick Mirer to a Drew Bledsoe.

No. 2: St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Obviously this pick is open to the possibility of a trade. The Rams don't need a quarterback (Robert Griffin III) and a pair of high picks might be enough to get them back on track in the NFC West.

But assuming they do hang on to the pick their most obvious need is at wide receiver.

Even if they sign someone in free agency and Danny Amendola comes back healthy they must find a big play receiver. That's Blackmon. 

He's got tremendous hands, runs fine routes, and is very physical at the line of scrimmage. Pair Sam Bradford with another Sooner State superstar and that offense has great potential. 

No. 3: Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

As is the case with the Rams, there's a very good chance that the Vikings trade out of this spot with someone like Cleveland or Washington, teams interested in Robert Griffin III. 

And truth be told, that's probably a better move for them—their greatest need is a corner and they can justify that pick at four or five, but probably not three. 

So if they have to "settle" Kalil is an awesome consolation prize.

He's the best tackle in the draft, has experience at both left and right tackle, and is very athletic. 

Most likely he's a great fit to be the blindside tackle for Christian Ponder, but since Phil Loadholt is a free agent after 2012, he may end up on the other side of the line. 

No. 4: Cleveland Browns: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

To be perfectly honest, I don't think the Browns should take Griffin at this spot. Colt McCoy hasn't been given enough time and the buzz over Robert Griffin III feels a bit strange. His achievements in a depleted Big XII aren't the same as Cam Newton's in the SEC.

But Cleveland needs to make a splash and Griffin has the star power. 

And he is certainly capable of becoming a great NFL quarterback. He has the athleticism and ability as a passer.

That, the fact that Justin Blackmon will already be gone, and the fact that they already have one superstar corner in Joe Haden, will force Mike Holmgren's hand. 

No. 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Only time will tell if Claiborne can provide the same type of immediate impact as another recent fifth overall selection from LSU, Patrick Peterson.

But Claiborne definitely has that potential and can be a major factor on special teams.

On the surface, corner might not be the Bucs greatest need, but Aqib Talib is a free agent after 2012 (and his legal issues will be far enough behind him to draw a big contract) and Ronde Barber can't play forever.

Besides, in that division (Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, Cam Newton) the Bucs need all the secondary help they can get. 

No. 6: Washington Redskins: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson's knee surgery (and the fact that the "better" Mark Ingram slipped all the way to the end of the first round) does make this a curious situation.

But he's much more versatile than Ingram and has been a big factor on not one but two national championship teams. 

The Redskins will have a boat load of talent at running back (Tim Hightower, Evan Royster, Roy Helu) and Mike Shanahan has never needed a superstar for his running scheme to excel, but if they don't have the goods to move up in the draft and take RGIII, this is their best bet. 

No. 7: Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

As bad as the Jaguars were last year, their defense really played well at times, so spending another top 10 pick on a pass rusher (Tyson Alualu, Derrick Harvery) doesn't seem wise.

On the other side of the ball, the offensive line is solid, plus they have the NFL's leading rusher, and a quarterback to build around. Say what you will about Blaine Gabbert's rookie season, but he had absolutely no help from his receiving corps.

Floyd can come in and be the instant go-to-guy. He possesses ideal size, was basically a four-year starter, and played two years in a pro system under Charlie Weis.

No. 8: Carolina Panthers*: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

*Dependent on a coin toss with Miami

With Cam Newton on pace for great things and a pair of young running backs, the Panthers offense is on track. 

But Ron Rivera's defense does needs some upgrades, especially up front. They finished 25th against the run and 24th against the pass. 

Brockers is raw and doesn't have the sack numbers to wow fans, but he has fine pass rushing skills.

Most importantly, however, he is tremendously athletic for someone of his size. 

No. 9: Miami Dolphins*: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

*Dependent on a coin toss with Carolina

New Dolphins head coach Joe Phillbin certainly knows the value of having not one, but two fine offensive tackles—the Packers only started to show offensive flaws when Derrek Sherrod and Bryan Bulaga got injured.

So just because the Dolphins already have Jake Long doesn't mean they'll pass on another stud tackle to play opposite him.

Martin was a key part of that incredible Stanford offense and although Andrew Luck was the star, Martin is the versatile type of lineman Phillbin needs.

With Marc Colombo on his way out, Martin can only improve a very good running game and help keep Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, or whoever is taking the snaps in Miami upright. 

No. 10: Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Corner isn't necessarily an overwhelming need for the Bills—not only did they give Drayton Florence a big contract last year, but they also have a first rounder on the roster in Leodis McKelvin.

More to the point, their pass defense will only get better under Dave Wannstedt. 

But with Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd long gone and Kirkpatrick still on the board, this is where they'll spend their pick.

Kirkpatrick is remarkably big and physical for a corner and can play man coverage just as well as LSU's Morris Claiborne. 

No. 11: Kansas City Chiefs: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

*Dependent on a coin toss with Seattle

Despite two tackles coming off the board before him, Reiff might be the most complete one in this draft. He is a great drive blocker and features the perfect size and footwork to be a standout pass protector.

That versatility will be what draws the Chiefs to Reiff rather than reaching on a wide out (should Dwayne Bowe leave) or even a quarterback like Ryan Tannehill. 

Neither free agent to-be Barry Richardson nor Jared Gaither had good seasons at the right tackle position and although Reiff is suited to play left, he should be able to move over. 

No. 12: Seattle Seahawks: Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina

*Dependent on a coin toss with Kansas City

Not everyone rates Jeffrey quite this high. Neither Mel Kiper nor Don Banks sees him as a first rounder. 

But Jeffrey's size, athleticism, and jumping ability make him such an intriguing prospect that I like the chances of him rising.

(And before you express your outrage at this choice, who would have thought, in March of 2011, that Christian Ponder would go 12th overall and Jake Locker eighth overall). 

Despite Doug Baldwin and Sidney Rice (who had two shoulder surgeries this off-season, not to mention serious concussion issues), the Seahawks are still desperate for help in the passing game and Jeffrey can provide it via the big play. In the red zone, his size and leaping will turn field goals into touchdowns. 

No. 13: Arizona Cardinals: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

For team's running a 3-4, Upshaw is the most highly coveted linebacker on the board. And in Arizona's Steelers-based scheme, he has the ability to dominate as a pass rusher.

Clark Haggans is borderline ancient, coming off surgery, and a free agent while Joey Porter is possibly going to be a cap casualty. That will leave a significant hole. 

Pair him with Sam Acho and they might have a dynamic duo like LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison. 

No. 14: Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Sure, the reasons why Jenkins left Gainesville for Florence are a concern for his draft status. 

But not enough to keep the needy Cowboys (and their soon-to-be desperate defensive coordinator Rob Ryan) from drooling over Jenkins skill set.

There's a chance that both starting corners in Dallas, Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins, could be gone this spring so there is a tremendous need at the position. 

And it's worth pointing out that, despite his limited size, Jenkins provides more against the run than most people realize. 

No. 15: Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, MLB, Boston College

Putting a rookie at mike linebacker didn't work well for the Eagles last year, as Casey Matthews had plenty of problems in 2011. 

But Kuechly is NFL-ready today. He possesses great instincts, is a solid tackler (something the Eagles sorely need), and was a three-year starter.

The Eagles have other needs, especially if DeSean Jackson leaves as a free agent, but this is the safest pick, and it's time the Eagles take the safe option. 

No. 16: New York Jets: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Despite being committed to Santonio Holmes—and seemingly committed to Mark Sanchez, as well—the Jets are going to be thin at wide receiver next year if they don't land one of the top free agents out there.

With Blackmon, Floyd, and (surprisingly) Jeffrey off the board, the Jets will have a few options to chose from here. But Wright is the front runner at this point. 

He doesn't have ideal size, but is just as physical as the rest of the wide outs in this draft, and has very reliable hands, something the Jets sorely need. 

No. 17: Cincinnati Bengals: Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

Coples is considered to be a much more apt 4-3 defensive end than 3-4 outside linebacker so the teams that will go after him early in the first round are limited.

But since the Bengals have a need for him (and two first round picks) this is where the 6'6" Coples will land. 

Frostee Rucker is a free agent coming off of knee surgery, and Robert Geathers (a free agent after 2012) is on the books for a lot of money this season in exchange for limited production.

With Coples on one side and Carlos Dunlap on the other, the Bengals rising defense will compete with Pittsburgh and Baltimore for years to come. 

No. 18: San Diego Chargers: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Ingram is probably a "tweener" at this point—he might be able to play either outside linebacker or defensive end—so that could cost him a few spots on Draft Day.

But the Chargers will be thrilled to see him available at this spot.

Assuming he can play outside linebacker the Chargers defense will be set for the long haul. Both Antwan Barnes and Shaun Phillips are free agents after 2012 and who knows if they'll ever get anything out of Larry English.

Ingram can immediately improve a defense that took a tremendous step back in 2011. 

No. 19: Chicago Bears: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

The remarkable rookie season that both Julio Jones and A.J. Green enjoyed in 2011 make it much more likely that teams will reach on wide receivers this spring.

Randle's numbers and exposure as a wide receiver suffered a bit playing in the somewhat anemic Tigers offense, but he did get plenty of games on the big stage during his three years at LSU. 

The Bears are desperate for help in the passing game, but without a trade they'll miss out on Blackmon, Jeffrey, Wright and Michael Floyd, who they'd love to have. 

But a 6'4", 210 pound wide receiver from the SEC who runs a 4.4? They could do a lot worse. 

No. 20: Tennessee Titans: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Jurrell Casey gave the Titans a top notch defender in the middle of the defense, and Karl Klug surprised plenty of people with seven sacks, but it's going to be tough for Mike Munchak to pass on a Nittany Lion with so much strength and size.

For a 4-3 defensive tackle he has potential as a pass rusher but it's his presence against the run that's so important. He can easily take on multiple blockers and free things up for the linebackers behind him.

In the AFC South (Maurice Jones-Drew, Arian Foster, Ben Tate, and what figures to be a much improved running game in Indianapolis) they will need that strength. 

No. 21: Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

A ton went right for the Bengals in 2011, but the running game really left something to be desired. 

Now plenty of that falls at the feet of Cedric Benson and his lack of explosiveness, but both of their starting guards (Nate Irvings, Mike McGlynn) are free agents and neither was terribly impressive last year. 

Clint Boling should step into the starting role next year, but there will still be a vacancy at the other spot.

Glenn is largely considered the second best guard in the draft behind David DeCastro, but considering how strong the Stanford line was, Glenn might turn out to be the better pro.

No. 22: Cleveland Browns: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Regardless of whether or not the Browns are able to land RG3 like so many people seem to want, they have to upgrade their receiving corps. Even Drew Brees or Tom Brady would struggle with that collection of pass catchers.

The run on wideouts will force them to settle for one of the sixth or seventh rated receivers out there, but because Sanu comes from a Rutgers program that clearly produces top notch NFL talent, that's not a bad thing.

He's got good size (6'2", 215) and is renowned for having great hands, something that Colt McCoy or Griffin will desperately need in the years to come.

No. 23: Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

It's pretty surprising that a team with so much talent up front (not just Ndamukong Suh, but also Cliff Avril, Stephen Tulloch, and at times Nick Fairly) could be so bad on defense. 

A huge portion of that has to be chalked up to a pretty mediocre secondary that will only get thinner this off-season with Eric Wright a free agent. (Chris Houston will also be one in 2013).

Gilmore, who has ideal height for a corner (6'1") can provide an instant upgrade and they won't have to break the bank for him they would for a free agent like Brent Grimes or Cortland Finnegan. 

No. 24: Pittsburgh Steelers: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

For a team that is coming off of 12 wins, the Steelers have some huge problems going forward, and the potential departure of Mike Wallace is only one. They probably need a running back to effectively spell Rashard Mendenhall, they could use a backup quarterback, and there are could be a huge problem if Casey Hampton isn't back; they already lost Chris Hoke to retirement. 

Corner seems to be the most pressing need, but since several of the top-rated guys are gone and they spent two mid-round selections on rookie corners last year (Cortez Allen, Curtis Brown) that's probably not where they go on Day One.

So what will they do? Well, after Maurkice Pouncey—clearly one of the best young lineman in the game—the interior of that offensive line is terrible. Chris Kemoeatu won't be back and the Doug Legursky/Ramon Foster duo isn't ideal.

DeCastro can instantly fill the need and help re-establish the Steelers' running game. 

No. 25: Denver Broncos: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Rahim Moore figures to be a long-term staple of the new Broncos regime, but with Brian Dawkins at 38-years old and coming off a neck injury (not to mention the money he's due), it's a safe bet the he's not going to return.

The rest of that defense is pretty set, however, and unless the Broncos want to cause a major stir and draft Ryan Tannehill to challenge Tim Tebow, this might be the best choice for John Fox.

After all, Barron is the top ranked safety in the draft. 

There is a concern about his health given the surgery he recently had, but as a starter on two national championship winners, teams will give him the benefit of the doubt. 

No. 26: Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

With Antonio Smith, J.J. Watt, Brooks Reed, and Connor Barwin, the Texans pass rush is set for years to come, even if Mario Williams bails as a free agent.

But Shaun Cody becomes a free agent after next year and there will be a need upfront at the nose tackle position in Wade Phillips defense. 

Worthy has the size and strength to anchor the center of the defensive line and has pass rush skills to take advantage of any double teams on the edge. It will be a work in progress to move him to the 3-4 nose, but it's definitely worth the try at 26. 

No. 27: New England Patriots: Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

It's a bit ironic that five Crimson Tide players come off the board before Hightower: he was the leader of that team, a  captain, and Nick Saban's quarterback on defense. 

Still, falling to 27 and landing with Saban's former boss, Bill Belichick, is a major positive for Hightower.

Not only does he join the perennial Super Bowl favorite, but he gets to play next to Jerod Mayo and behind Vince Wilfork. 

Now with Mayo and Brandon Spikes there isn't going to be much room, but it's unlikely that Belichick will pass on a proven winner like Hightower. He'll find a place for him to play. 

No. 28: Green Bay Packers: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

The Packers pass defense was one of the best in 2010 and one of the worst in 2011. So what changed? 

The pass rush become borderline anemic.

Clay Matthews saw more and more double teams and with the departure of Cullen Jenkins, they really couldn't pressure the opposing passer enough and it only put more of a burden on that secondary. 

Mercilus is a little light and was only a one-year starter, but he has a great motor and knows how to bring down big, elusive quarterbacks, racking up 13.5 sacks last season. 

No. 29: Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Matt Birk might retire and Andre Gurode was only signed to a one-year deal, so there could be a huge hole up front for Ray Rice and Joe Flacco to deal with. 

But is there a better college program to look for Birk's replacement than Wisconsin? They routinely produce some of the best lineman in the draft. And Kontz, who has great size and footwork, will likely be there for the Ravens to place late on Day One.

There will probably be a feeling in the Ravens front office that bringing in a veteran free agent to replace Birk will keep the consistency along the O line, but since Konz was a three-year starter at Wisconsin he should be more than capable of stepping right in. 

No. 30: San Francisco 49ers: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Wisconsin

I just find it very unlikely that the 49ers are a) willing and b) capable of paying Carlos Rogers the long-term deal he will want. 

In that case—and with Shawntae Spencer likely leaving via trade—they might turn to the draft for a replacement. 

Dennard doesn't have the profile or resume of Dre Kirkpatrick or Morris Claiborne or Janoris Jenkins, but he has great strength and has plenty of versatility starting one year in the pass happy Big XII and one year in the more physical Big Ten. 

He should fit right in with that stingy 49ers defense. 

No. 31: New England Patriots: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Nate Solder stepped right in for the Pats last year so Bill Belichick's staff has no qualms about a rookie starter protecting the franchise, Tom Brady.

But with Matt Light most likely gone there will be a big spot to fill this offseason.  Marcus Cannon could be the man who fills it, but the Pats are playing with house money, having two picks late in the first round and several additional ones later on.

Adams is enormous and should be able to transition to the NFL as a blindside protector for Brady. 

Just when you thought that Pats offense couldn't get any better they might have bookend tackles with remarkable athleticism for the rest of the decade. 

No. 32: New York Giants: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

With Jermichael Finley coming off the the free agency list that's one less option for the Super Bowl champion Giants, who have to find an upgrade at the tight end position considering the injuries to Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum.

Many people seem to think that Coby Fleener is the ideal fit: he comes from a real pro system that is used to a superstar under center. 

But Allen is bigger, a prolific pass catcher, and didn't play in an offense loaded with talent at quarterback and offensive line. Solid numbers at the combine will clinch his place as the top tight end selected.