2012 NFL Draft Predictions: Guaranteed First-Round Shocks and Surprises

I never saw that coming. 

That might be something you mutter as you crack another beer and watch the hours of NFL Draft coverage hitting all us football nerds tonight. 

My message to you is, you should. There is no reason not to think the unlikely is very possible on a night when trades will be debated behind the scenes, and surprises will be plentiful on the screen. 

Here is a breakdown of the most jarring draft picks that very well could take place just hours from now. The future is never certain, and there is no better way to prove that than the NFL Draft. 

1. Minnesota Vikings: 

If you want excitement, you can wait until the third pick to tune into the NFL Draft. Numbers one and two were decided eons ago, leaving the Minnesota Vikings with the huge task of settling the draft landscape with one big decision. 

For weeks, most have settled on the Vikings settling their obvious need at tackle with Matt Kalil. My thinking is the Vikings trade out of this spot, giving them a shot at getting Kalil or one of the elite players available a couple picks later. 

There is bound to be a team willing to trade up and steal Trent Richardson from the Cleveland Browns. The Vikings don't seem settled on any pick, and may rather stockpile picks and still fill one of their needs. 

This is a strong class, making a trade down seem sensible. I smell trade. 

2. St. Louis Rams: 

If things continue with teams pilfering the elite offensive talent, it leaves the Rams with taking care of their defensive needs. 

I have had Justin Blackmon pegged for the Rams from day one. He is the perfect fit and settles an obvious need. 

However, I see both Blackmon and Trent Richardson being nabbed before the Rams (who used to have the No. 2 pick) are ready to make their selection.

That's hardly the worst thing in the world, because the Rams will be looking to shore up their defense as they move to a Jeff Fisher-led team. I see Fletcher Cox as the most likely pick for St. Louis as we sit hours before the draft.  That is, of course, if Morris Claiborne is gone as well. 

3. Players That Will Drop: 

I think the trends are already there for two players that will fall far from where most mocks had them this week. 

I am looking at Quinton Coples and Dontari Poe. Rather than both being top-20 or even top-15 selections, I see them on the board as we get close to closing up shop. 

There are far too many questions for teams to feel comfortable snatching them up early.

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