2012 NFL Draft: Five Quick Hits from First Round

Now that my head has stopped spinning from taking in the fastest first round in the modern era of the NFL draft, here are some random thoughts about what played out as teams selected their newest members. 

The New England Patriots Get Aggressive

Bill Belichick has spent his tenure in New England trading back and acquiring picks. So it was more than a little surprising to watch him trade up not once but twice in the first round to land Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower.

I know Jones was high on a lot of draft boards, but the move was still surprising to me. (Side note: I know Pats fans are giddy, but let's remember the Patriots still need to address a suspect secondary.)

Mike Holmgren Follows a Great Move With A Head-Scratcher

I totally got the trade with Minnesota to ensure the Cleveland Browns got Trent Richardson. What I don't get is the fact that, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Browns were targeting Baylor WR Kendall Wright with their pick at No. 22.

So when the Titans picked Wright, they just switched gears and took a quarterback? Such a cavalier attitude at the game's most important position has me scratching my head. 

Seattle Seahawks Tab Bruce Irvin 

Speaking of head-scratchers, this is the biggest one of all from the first round. I included Irvin in our take on prospects with red flags—apparently Pete Carroll and company aren't worried about such things.

I want to like this pick—maybe he's the next Von Miller—but I'm having trouble getting this one. 

Dallas Cowboys Seriously Upgrade Their Secondary

In the span of two months, the Cowboys have gone from starting Terence Newman and a combination of Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins to starting Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne.

That, my friends, is a serious upgrade, and it will allow Rob Ryan to do quite a bit more with his pressure packages knowing he has some guys who can actually play man coverage. 

Jacksonville Jaguars Go Get Justin Blackmon

While I'm not sold on Justin Blackmon as an NFL prospect, I know many are. This contingent appears to include the brain trust in Jacksonville, who traded up to grab Blackmon to pair with free agent acquisitions Laurent Robinson and Lee Evans.

One thing is for sure—Blaine Gabbert apologists won't have the "He doesn't have anyone to throw to!" defense to lean back on anymore.