2012 NFL Draft: Latest News and Rumors from Around the League

With the 2012 NFL draft almost two short weeks away, let's take a look at all the latest news and rumors from around the league, including how one analyst views the marriage of Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins, the Minnesota Vikings' plan at No. 3 overall and what the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears might do with a top-60 pick. 

Redskin Revival?

The Washington Redskins look dead-set on taking Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick, and there's one analyst—notorious for his use of hyperbole—ready to claim Griffin as the savior in Washington. 

ESPN's Jon Gruden, speaking on a conference call with Rich Campbell of the Washington Times and several others, had this to say on the Heisman Trophy winner with the Redskins:

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He can revive the Redskins as long as he stays healthy and he buys in and really takes to this new system and he continues to work. But this is a special young man whether the camera is on or off.

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Gruden went on to compare Griffin with one of the all-time greats as a mobile quarterback, saying that Mike Shanahan's offense is a good fit:

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What Mike did in San Francisco with Steve Young, another mobile quarterback, those were as good of offensive tapes as I’ve ever seen. I think when you get Robert Griffin, one of the most explosive quarterbacks to ever play the position, in a Mike Shanahan-type system, the possibilities are very exciting, I think, with Mike Shanahan’s imagination.

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Gruden is never one to shy away from praise for anyone, but these are still strong words coming from a football man. Washington is getting exactly what they need at No. 2 overall. 

Not a Lock?

Few picks have been as agreed upon throughout the media as the Minnesota Vikings taking USC left tackle Matt Kalil at No. 3 overall, but ESPN's Adam Schefter says that marriage is far from a lock.

Here's what Schefter said today, from the good people over at Rotoworld: "In talking to people around the league, I don't think Kalil is a lock to Minnesota at No. 3 by any stretch."

Schefter went on to say that the Vikings expect trade talk for the pick to escalate a week or so before the draft, so it appears as if Minnesota is preparing to move down from No. 3. A team such as the Miami Dolphins may eventually call up the Vikings in an effort to ensure the services of Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. 

If a trade does happen, it's unclear where Kalil could fall. The St. Louis Rams at No. 6 might be the first logical landing spot for the draft's unquestioned No. 1 tackle. 

Wright to the Windy City?

The Chicago Bears used a pair of third-round picks to acquire receiver Brandon Marshall this offseason, but they may not be done upgrading that position for 2012.

According to Sports Illustrated's Tony Pauline, the Bears may pull the trigger on Baylor receiver Kendall Wright at No. 19 overall:

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We’ve been told there’s a very real chance the Chicago Bears use their first round selection on Kendall Wright as they are looking for a receiver that can line up in the slot.  We hear worry about Johnny Knox ever returning to prior form after his back injury late last season also factors into this.

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Wright would be a natural replacement for Knox and an upgrade over anyone else (besides Marshall) that the Bears have at the position. A DeSean Jackson/Mike Wallace type, Wright could really add another element to a Bears offense that has improved since the 2011 season ended. 

Interest in Burfict?

Once a player many considered in the top 15, Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict has seen his stock fall as fast as any player in recent memory. Most now consider him a player that could be undraftable. 

There may be one team with an interest, though, according to Will Burge of ESPN Cleveland. The Browns would likely have their eye on Burfict in the late rounds.

"One source said, 'It would be a late round value pick,' if the Browns were to select the linebacker who has as many red flags as he does talent," Burge wrote.

A physically imposing linebacker, Burfict has several on- and off-the-field question marks, and he did himself no favors with a terrible workout at the NFL combine. Given how much the interest has cooled, taking a flier in the late rounds might not even be worth the fanfare. 

If Cleveland did take him in the sixth or seventh round, there's no doubt the leash would be very short.

Lions Eyeing a Day Two Back?

The Detroit Lions have invested top-60 picks on running backs in each of the last two drafts, and it's possible that the team could make it three-in-a-row in a couple of weeks. 

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Washington's Chris Polk remains an option for the Lions in the second round. 

Birkett said Polk was "definitely in the mix as a day two running back" when asked about the scenario in which Polk falls into the second round.

With Jahvid Best (first round, 2010) continuing to fight concussion issues and Mikel LeShoure (second round, 2011) smoking his chance at playing time away, the Lions might have to address the position early again.

Doug Martin, David Wilson and LaMichael James are other options if Polk isn't around.