2012 NFL Mock Draft: Seattle Seahawks Select Stanford QB Andrew Luck No. 1
The 2011 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and you all know what that means.
Yup, it’s time to start preparing for the journey to the 2012 NFL Draft.
Hopefully, this whole NFL lockout mess sorts itself out over the summer and we’ll be able to spend another fall with football.
College football fans have nothing to worry about this season, because there are a ton of star players to keep them occupied throughout 2011.
We’ve got established stars such as Stanford QB Andrew Luck, Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon and Oregon RB LaMichael James already. And it will also be interesting to see who turns out to be this year’s Cam Newton.
Since you NFL Draft enthusiasts obviously want to know which college players to be on the lookout for this year, here’s a far too premature look at the top eligible prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft.
1. Seattle Seahawks: QB Andrew Luck
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Alright Andrew Luck, we’ve handed you the stage; now you do as you wish with it.
Stanford QB Andrew Luck is already the biggest name in college football.
The 6’4’’ 235 lb. junior is going to be everybody’s preseason favorite to win the Heisman Trophy and he's also going to be the consensus favorite to be next year’s No. 1 pick. .
It’s a lot of pressure, but if there’s a player out there who’s perfectly equipped to handle it, it’s Andrew Luck.
2. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Billy Winn
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The Bengals did a good job plugging big holes at WR and QB with the picks of A.J. Green and Andy Dalton in the first two rounds. But Cincinnati could still use some help on the defensive side of the ball.
Domata Peko, Pat Sims and Geno Atkins are all solid defensive tackles, but none of them can be considered standout players.
If the Bengals could add an elite DT such as Boise State’s Billy Winn, a 6’4’’ 290 lb. senior, it would really help bolster their defensive front seven.
3. Carolina Panthers: WR Justin Blackmon
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If the Carolina Panthers want to give this year’s No. 1 pick, QB Cam Newton, a legitimate shot to succeed, then they would be wise to find their young signal caller a true No. 1 WR.
Like Newton, Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon, a 6’1’’ 205 lb. junior, turned out to be one of the breakout stars of the 2010 season.
Blackmon, who many now regard as the top WR at the college level, finished the year with 111 catches for over 1,700 yards and 20 TDs.
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4. Tennessee Titans: WR Alshon Jeffery
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For better or for worse, the Tennessee Titans now have their QB of the future in Jake Locker.
Still, it remains to be seen how long the leash will be for Locker’s future top target, WR Kenny Britt, a rising young star who has experienced off the field problems on a few different occasions during his career.
If the Titans wanted to add another WR to push Britt, they wouldn’t do too bad bringing in a difference maker such as South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery, a 6’3’’ 225 lb. junior who finished with 88 catches for over 1,500 yards in 2010.
5. Denver Broncos: DT Jerel Worthy
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The Broncos lucked out when they got their hands on the best prospect in the draft, OLB Von Miller, with the No. 2 pick. But by taking Miller, Denver neglected their massive need for defensive line help.
Most people believed the Broncos would take DT Marcell Dareus to stick inside of the team’s new look 4-3 defense. But they obviously felt Miller was too good to pass up.
If the Broncos fail to find some defensive line help in free agency, then they’ll be right back in the same situation next year.
Denver might need to strengthen their line early in the 2012 Draft, and they could look at Michigan State DT Jerel Worthy, a powerful 6’3’’ 305 lb. junior who is continuing to improve and get better.
6. Minnesota Vikings: OT Matt Kalil
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Viking offensive tackles Bryant McKinnie and Phil Loadholt both had their problems trying to contain pass rushers last season, and McKinnie is nearing the end of his career.
The team would be smart to find McKinnie’s eventual replacement sooner rather than later.
If Minnesota is picking early in 2012, they might have a shot at top tackle prospect Matt Kalil, a 6’7’’ 295 lb. junior out of USC.
Kalil, the younger brother of Carolina’s Ryan Kalil, has all the traits needed to be a franchise tackle for an NFL team.
7. Washington Redskins: RB Knile Davis
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Mike Shanahan is not known for taking running backs early in the draft, but even Shanahan should be intrigued by Arkansas RB Knile Davis.
Davis, a 6’0’’ 220 lb. junior, is the total package, possessing the power and speed to be a featured back in the NFL.
Davis finished second in the SEC with 1,322 rushing yards in 2010.
8. Arizona Cardinals: QB Geno Smith
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It looks like the Cardinals are now in position to acquire a veteran QB to lead the offense this season, but there's no guarantee that plan is going to work out.
If it doesn't, the team could look to find a young signal caller of the future in the 2012 NFL Draft.
West Virginia's Geno Smith is a QB prospect who could fly up draft boards with a strong showing this season.
Smith, a 6'3'' 210 lb. junior, possesses NFL caliber arm strength and he's set up to have a breakout campaign this year as the trigger man in Dana Holgorsen's pass-heavy offense.
9. Buffalo Bills: QB Terrelle Pryor
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Terrelle Pryor is probably the most enigmatic athlete in college football.
Pryor’s pure physical ability is unmatched by any other college player, but when it comes time to project his worth as an NFL prospect, that’s where things get murky.
Pryor doesn’t have the arm strength you desire in an NFL QB, but his athleticism is a weapon that can’t be ignored.
Considering they didn’t take a QB at all in this draft, the Bills must have a lot of faith in Ryan Fitzpatrick.
If that faith doesn’t pay off, Buffalo will be in the hunt for one of next year’s top QB prospects.
10. San Francisco 49ers: CB Cliff Harris
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Jim Harbaugh hit the jackpot with his first pick as 49ers coach. OLB Aldon Smith will be a perfect fit in San Francisco’s 3-4 defense and he’ll add a much needed pass rush presence.
Even though the team took CB Chris Culliver in this year’s third round, the 49ers could still use some CB help.
Oregon CB Cliff Harris, a 5’11’’ 165 lb. junior, is an explosive athlete who has the speed and instincts to shut down any WR put in front of him.
11. Miami Dolphins: QB Tyler Wilson
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The Dolphins opted to either float or sink with QB Chad Henne for another season, as they decided not to take a QB in this year’s draft.
If Henne falters this year, the Dolphins will almost be forced to draft a QB early on in the 2012 Draft.
Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson, a 6’3’’ 215 lb. junior, is a name to remember.
Wilson was forced to wait behind Ryan Mallett, but he could turn out to be an even better NFL prospect.
12. Chicago Bears: WR Ryan Broyles
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This season, the Bears will once again try to compete without the services of a No. 1 caliber WR on offense.
QB Jay Cutler hasn’t been able to reach his full potential yet since he hasn't had a go-to receiver to rely on.
Chicago could be interested in adding a weapon such as Oklahoma’s Ryan Broyles, who led the country with 131 receptions in 2010.
13. Cleveland Browns: OT Jonathan Martin
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Cleveland has one of the best young left tackles in the NFL in Joe Thomas, a perennial pro bowler. But the right side of the offensive line could use some tinkering.
The Browns need a steady and consistent starter at right tackle, and Stanford’s Jonathan Martin would do the trick.
Martin, a 6’6’’ 305 lb. junior, is an athletic big man who has done a great job keeping highly valuable QB Andrew Luck safe these past few years.
14. New York Jets: OLB Brandon Jenkins
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When looking at this year’s crop of athletic, undersized college defensive ends who would be best suited to play 3-4 rush linebacker in the NFL, the first name that you have to start with is Florida State’s Brandon Jenkins.
Jenkins, a 6’3’’ 255 lb. junior, made opposing tackles look foolish last season, racking up 13.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss.
The Jets failed to come away with the 3-4 edge rusher that they needed to pick up in this draft.
15. Oakland Raiders: WR Jeff Fuller
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Since the Raiders didn’t have a first round pick this year, Al Davis didn’t have much of a platform to make a shocking selection.
We’ll have to wait until the 2012 NFL Draft to enjoy the thrill of watching the Raiders on the clock in the first round.
By that time, Oakland could be in the hunt for a No. 1 WR.
The Raiders have some capable young receivers already, but adding a player such as Texas A&M’s Jeff Fuller to the mix would really help solidify the WR corps.
16. Indianapolis Colts: TE Michael Egnew
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The Colts already have two capable tight ends in Dallas Clark and Jacob Tamme but it never hurts to give a QB like Peyton Manning another weapon to throw to. Clark has had to deal with some injury problems lately, so adding some depth at the position wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
Missouri TE Michael Egnew, a 6’6’’ 240 lb. senior, is basically a receiver in a tight end’s body.
Egnew, who led all tight ends with 90 catches in 2010, would be a perfect fit in the Indianapolis offense.
17. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Chase Minnifield
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It was surprising to see the Eagles pass on some of this year’s top cornerback prospects, considering they could really use some help at the position.
Philadelphia did pick up Curtis Marsh in the third round but he's not enough.
Virginia’s Chase Minnifield, a 6’0’’ 185 lb. senior, is one of the best kept secrets in college football.
Minnifield is thought to be an even better pro prospect than former teammate Ras-I Dowling, who went 33rd overall to New England this year.
18. Detroit Lions: CB Alfonzo Dennard
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Many people expected the Detroit Lions to take Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara with their first round pick but the Lions just saw too much value in DT Nick Fairley.
The Lions still need cornerback help and it would be somewhat ironic if they filled the need with Alfonzo Dennard, Amukamara’s former teammate at Nebraska.
Dennard, a 5’10’’ 200 lb. senior, is just as good of an athlete as Amukamara and he’s demonstrated much better ball skills throughout his college career.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Vontaze Burfict
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The Steelers have been trying to replenish their depth at OLB in recent drafts but from now on they could be looking to add some inside pieces as well.
Lawrence Timmons is a solid inside linebacker but guys like James Farrior and Larry Foote are on the wrong side of 30 and you can tell they’ve lost a bit of the bark from their bite.
Arizona State LB Vontaze Burfict, a 6’2’’ 250 lb. junior, is one of the most feared players in all of college football and he would fit in well with the smash-mouth mentality that permeates throughout Heinz Field.
20. New England Patriots (From New Orleans): WR Michael Floyd
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New England’s front office once again swindled a high pick from a team looking to trade into the first round and the Patriots could use the extra opportunity to their benefit in 2012.
New England has lacked a truly dangerous single receiving threat since the Randy Moss trade and it could be time to confront that problem next year.
Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd, a 6'3'' 225 lb. junior, is a gifted young WR.
Floyd can catch and make plays on passes that are thrown anywhere in his direction.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Quinton Coples
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The suspensions of Robert Quinn and Marvin Austin really opened the door for North Carolina defensive linemen Quinton Coples to shine last season.
Coples, a 6’6’’ 250 lb. senior, lined up inside at tackle and dominated the competition, finishing the season with 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss.
The Jaguars failed to add another defensive end in this draft and that still needs to be addressed.
22. St. Louis Rams: RB LaMichael James
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It’s a shame that St. Louis RB Steven Jackson had to play for a bad team for so long. The national football audience barely ever got the chance to see him over the last few years.
That will change now that the Rams have a few primetime gigs booked for 2011 but one thing that can't be changed is the fact that Jackson has carried a heavy load in his career.
A complement to Jackson is needed and Oregon RB LaMichael James, a speedy 5’9’’ 185 lb. junior, would make a great change-of-pace back in the NFL.
23. Kansas City Chiefs: DT Jared Crick
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The Chiefs made a great pick when they selected DE Allen Bailey in the third round. Bailey is the type of strong and versatile end that would be a great fit for a 3-4 front.
Still, depending on if free agent DE Shaun Smith ends up leaving, Kansas City could have to add some more frontline help next year as well.
One prospect who would fit in great as a 3-4 DE is Nebraska’s Jared Crick.
Crick, a 6’6’’ 285 lb. junior who finished with 9.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 2010, is considered to be a more complete version of former Nebraska DT Adam Carriker, who went 13th overall in 2007 NFL Draft.
24. Green Bay Packers: CB Corey Broomfield
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As we saw during this year’s Super Bowl, you can never have too many cornerbacks on your roster.
The Packers have two talented young corners in Tramon Williams and Sam Shields but veteran star Charles Woodson doesn’t have that many years left.
The Packers could be looking for CB depth, knowing that Woodson’s years are numbered.
Mississippi State CB Corey Broomfield, a 5’10’’ 180 lb. junior, is a talented and tested defensive back who has proved his worth against SEC competition.
25. Tampa Bay Bucs: OT Kelechi Osemele
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Tampa Bay got solid play out of offensive tackles Donald Penn and James Lee last season but it remains to be seen if the Penn-Lee combination will work for the future.
The Buccaneers will want to make sure that rising star QB Josh Freeman is properly protected, so finding him a few nice blockers up front could be in the future plans.
Iowa State OT Kelechi Osemele, a 6’5’’ 295 lb. senior, is one of the most gifted and intriguing tackles in next year’s draft class.
26. Houston Texans: WR Erik Highsmith
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The Texans did a terrific job of adding needed pieces to Wade Phillips’ new look 3-4 defense in this draft. That means that next year, the team could be looking to add needed pieces on offense.
WR Andre Johnson is one of the league’s best at the position but the team could afford to give him a little more help.
North Carolina WR Erik Highsmith, a 6’3’’ 175 lb. junior, has already flashed immense potential and he should be the leader of a talented Tar Heel receiver group this season.
27. Dallas Cowboys: DT Kendall Reyes
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The Cowboys got the guy they’ve been reportedly targeting for months when they selected OT Tyron Smith with the ninth pick on Thursday night.
Dallas did a good job of addressing their line concerns on offense but there are still a few question marks plaguing the defensive line.
The Cowboys could be looking for a premier 3-4 defensive end prospect next year and Connecticut’s Kendall Reyes, a 6’4’’ 295 lb. senior, looks like the kind of player who could be on their radar.
28. New England Patriots: LB Courtney Upshaw
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The Patriots had plenty of picks in the 2011 Draft, yet somehow, they failed to get a rush linebacker.
It looks like the Patriots expect Jermaine Cunningham to get the job done this season but if Cunningham falters, the team will have to look for a 3-4 OLB early in the 2012 Draft.
Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw is the type of versatile LB prospect that Bill Belichick could easily fall for.
29. Cleveland Browns (From Atlanta): DE Devin Taylor, South Carolina
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The Browns knew they had to pick up some defensive linemen to help with the transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense and they did just that, scooping up DT Phil Taylor and DE Jabaal Sheard in the first two rounds.
Taylor and Sheard should help immediately but the Browns could still use a few more playmakers along the defensive line.
South Carolina DE Devin Taylor, a 6’7’’ 250 lb. junior, is growing into an elite pass rusher and he could be ready to have a breakout year this season.
30. Baltimore Ravens: OLB Bruce Irvin
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The Baltimore Ravens were hoping they found their outside linebacker of the future when they selected Sergio Kindle in the second round of the 2010 Draft. But after sustaining a serious head injury last offseason, Kindle’s future still remains a mystery
The Ravens know that possessing a great pass rush is the key to having success on defense, so they could be looking for a 3-4 OLB early on in the 2012 Draft.
West Virginia DE Bruce Irvin, a 6’3’’ 235 lb. senior, is a dynamic pass rushing threat who led the Big East with 14 sacks in his first season out of junior college.
Irving has all the makings of a great 3-4 rush linebacker prospect.
31. San Diego Chargers: LB Danny Trevathan
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The Chargers seemed to reach a bit for LB Jonas Mouton, who they selected in the late second round of this year's draft.
It’s still uncertain if Mouton can ever become a full-time starter and even if he does, there’s still holes in the San Diego linebacker corps that need to be filled.
Kentucky LB Danny Trevathan, a 6’1’’ 235 lb. senior, is the type of versatile, high-producing LB prospect that could really have San Diego GM A.J. Smith intrigued.
32. New York Giants: RB Trent Richardson
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There was a strong feeling that the Giants were considering taking RB Mark Ingram if CB Prince Amukamara hadn’t fallen to them at No. 19.
Since the Giants passed over Ingram, they might want to take a look at his former Alabama teammate, Trent Richardson, next year.
The 5’11’’ 220 lb. junior rushed over 700 yards in each of his first two seasons.
Richardson is a rare physical specimen who will now get the opportunity to be the main man of the Alabama backfield.
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