2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing All 32 1st-Round Picks, Post Free Agency

NFL free agency is on-going, but we experienced a flurry of transactions over the last week, and the big names have either found new homes or re-signed with their 2011 teams.

Well, except for the Peyton Manning fellow.

Let's take a quick snapshot of what the first round looks like now. Actually, not that different. Browns fans, tell me what you think about the two guys I've slotted to you in Round 1.  

2012 NFL Mock Draft (March 19th, Post-Free Agent Update)

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Duh. 

2. Washington Redskins (trade with St. Louis Rams): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Duh, No. 2. OK, I promised some analysis. The Redskins signed two receivers at the start of free agency for Griffin III to throw to, and actually, I think he and Pierre Garcon will be a great pairing. I'm totally psyched to watch RG3 play on Sundays this fall. 

Are you?

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California

No. Brainer. The Vikings were relatively quiet in free agency and are ready/hoping for drastic improvement in Christian Ponder's game in Year 2. They increase those chances by drafting Kalil. 

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

They missed out on Matt Flynn. So, the Colt McCoy era continues. Nothing wrong with that, I've got faith in the University of Texas legend. He can't do it alone, though. He needs receivers. Another no-brainer. Blackmon's the ideal wideout for the West Coast offense and will work wonders on those short drag routes next year. 

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

This mock draft thing isn't so hard after all. Another pick that is simply too perfect not to happen. Although they brought in Eric Wright, they're in dire need of more cornerback depth. Drew Brees, Cam Newton and Matt Ryan are the reasons why. 

6. St. Louis Rams (trade with Washington Redskins): Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

Poe was this year's combine winner and his herculean effort makes him a top-10 pick. The Rams run defense was victimized in 2011 and Jeff Fisher gets his "next" Albert Haynesworth.  

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

This is not too early for Floyd. He's got a big body, was productive in college, is a premier "jump-ball gatherer" and has great speed. Blaine Gabbert smiles, but he's got a long way to go.   

8. Miami Dolphins: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

No one wants to go to Miami? Do they know it's 80 degrees down there like every day and has a night life scene to die for? Guess not. Either way, Upshaw has no choice. He goes to Miami. How sad for him. The Dolphins might want to address their quarterback position, first. No, I don't think Ryan Tannehill is an option. 

9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DL, LSU

The word with Brockers is "upside" and the Panthers are a young team filled with that specific attribute. 

Cam Newton can deliver highlight-reel runs and soft touch lobs to Steve Smith all he wants—that doesn't mean the Panthers will consistently win. 

Their defense was ranked 29th in the NFL last season and allowed more than 130 yards rushing per game. In steps Mr. Brockers to begin the "shoring up" process. 

10. Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Bills seem to be done in free agency, meaning it's unlikely left tackle Demetrius Bell is re-signed. Buffalo's offensive line was surprisingly stellar last season but Bell's departure would leave a void on the left side. 

Martin's a mauling run-blocker and the big man upstairs blessed him with great athleticism and foot work. Meaning he's got what it takes to become a great pass-blocker, too. Any initial deficiencies will be masked in Chan Gailey's quick passing attack.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Maybe I'm crazy, but whenever I look at the Chiefs' roster, I don't see many holes, if any at all. I guess, I'm banking on Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry and Tony Moeaki returning to 100 percent after their season-ending injuries.

They grabbed the best right tackle in the game Eric Winston and inked running back Peyton Hillis. They'd love to pair a linebacker next to Derrick Johnson, right?

Watch out for the boys of Arrowhead Stadium in 2012.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Perry, DE, Southern California

The Seahawks were major players in free agency. They got their quarterback and re-signed Red Bryant, an underrated move that will pay dividends next season. Now, if they grab Perry, one of the better, more polished edge rushers in this class, they have a real chance to compete for a playoff spot in the NFC. 

13. Arizona Cardinals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Cardinals apparently like Levi Brown mire than any of the offensive tackles in this year's draft class. Now that's crazy. 

Getting a complement to Patrick Peterson isn't a bad option at No. 13. 

14. Dallas Cowboys: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford 

DeCastro is the best guard prospect since, I don't know, Steve Hutchinson? Yeah, that sounds about right. The Cowboys are loaded at the skill positions on offense, but need to protect Tony Romo. 

End of story. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

The Eagles have been linebacker-starved for years and Hightower is the big-time thumper who can impose his will in the middle of their defense—a spot in which they were exposed last year.  

16. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Ingram's a special talent with freakish athletic ability. He can play all over the field. Rex Ryan jumps on this opportunity. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

I know, I know. Richardson's amazing. He's strong, experienced and durable. I simply don't like drafting running backs high. Period. Whenever I write about Richardson, I shamelessly self-promote this to back up my stance on where he should be drafted. 

18. San Diego Chargers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

The Chargers were as active as anyone during free agent frenzy and Jarrett Johnson is a quality acquisition. However, he's a much better run defender than he is getting to the passer. Shaun Phillips can't do it all. 

19. Chicago Bears: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

Jay Cutler is thanking the Bears' front office for providing him with a true No. 1 receiver. They did so in the form of buddy Brandon Marshall. Now, they've got to keep Cutler upright. Glenn's a versatile big man with fantastic footwork.  

20. Tennessee Titans: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

All eyes in Tennessee are on the Peyton Manning watch, but we're talking draft here. Brown's staggeringly fast from sideline-to-sideline. Though not the surest tackler, they'll need his speed when playing the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars' running backs. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State 

The Bengals lost Jonathan Fanene and Frostee Rucker in free agency. A strength became somewhat of a weakness. Cox will become an absolute terror in Mike Zimmer's assailing system. 

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Yes, Browns fans, two wideouts in Round 1. That's how badly your team needs premier wide receivers. If you're going to give McCoy a chance at QB, you might as well make the environment conducive to success. 

Blackmon and Jeffery are the building blocks for the future.

23. Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

The Lions lost Eric Wright to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, (not that great, anyways) so they need to add depth to their secondary. 

Gilmore's a ball-hawking corner who doubles as a willing run defender. Perfect. 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa 

Ben Roethlisberger must be protected. That simple. Reiff can play guard or right tackle and before making the transition to the left side. Fills a major need for Wiz Khalifa's favorite team. 

25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The Broncos must get beefier up front on defense. Devon Still is a mammoth defensive tackle who has the ability to be a disruptive force. 

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The Texans lost some of their key pieces in free agency, but still need to find a complementary piece to Andre Johnson. Wright's got elite speed (don't be fooled by his combine numbers, watch the tape) and brings more creative possibilities to the team's offensive gameplan.  

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

New England must grab some cornerbacks in the draft. They have to. Dennard's great one-on-one and will give Bill Belichick more flexibility on defense.

28. Green Bay Packers: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Same goes for the Packers. Great offense, not-so-great defensive backfield. Jenkins comes with some off-field issues, but veteran Charles Woodson can act as a mentor for the extremely talented, former Florida Gator. 

29. Baltimore Ravens: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

No Cory Redding. No Jarrett Johnson. The Ravens must grab a quality defensive end with this pick. Jones is the guy. He's got loads of potential and his learning curve will be shortened playing with Baltimore's trio of elite defenders. 

30. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin 

No more Stephen Hill here for the 49ers. They're set in the "throwing down field" department with Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. They would like to upgrade the guard spot on their offensive line, especially on the interior. 

Zeitler is a underrated guard in this year's class. He'll work well in the 49ers' run-heavy offense. 

31. New England Patriots: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

The Patriots still need pass-rushing help. It'll benefit their young cornerbacks. Mercilus led with nation with 16 sacks in 2011. An ideal situational guy coming off the edge. 

32. New York Giants, Kelechi Osemele, OL, Iowa State

The Giants don't have a ton of holes and could look at Stephen Hill here. However, I think the team makes the more intelligent move by grabbing Osemele, a versatile offensive lineman that will infuse youth into their offensive front. 

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