2012 NFL Mock Draft: NFL Training Camp Edition

The easy part of doing a 2012 NFL mock draft during training camp is predicting current and future team needs. Most teams have a few holes that need to be filled, while a select few continue to be drafting for players that will have time to develop prior to being pressed into a starting role.

The challenging component of a mock draft is projecting where the college talent will land after another year of experience. Andrew Luck is the top draft pick on most every draft board at this point in time. However, there are one or two players that could knock him back a spot come April...and Mr. Luck is one of them.

There is an ample list of players that will consider entering the NFL early. Bleacher Report reviewed 50 underclassmen that are likely to declare early for the NFL Draft. One also has to wonder if a player such as Luck would decide to return for his final year of eligibility if an "undesirable" franchise held the first pick.

Then there is the thankless, near impossible proposition with doing a draft board during the preseason: projecting draft order. At one point, I was tempted to use the current Super Bowl odds to lessen the concerns with where readers' favorite teams are ranked...but where is the fun in that?

I will be using my preseason rankings as the base for draft placement, but with a few modifications. Apologies to the fans that believe their team will finish higher, but at this stage there are still too many questions to assume major swings from last season for any team...at least to the positive.

Washington Redskins (via Carolina Panthers): Andrew Luck, QB Stanford

Relax, Redskins fans. I don't believe you'll finish the season with the worst record in the NFL. Close...but not last.

The Redskins are working on fixing holes in their roster that have been left by Dan Snyder's free agent experiments. The biggest one currently is at the quarterback position, as it is hard to buy into John Beck as a franchise QB when he is struggling to beat out Rex Grossman for the starting gig.

There is a possibility that Luck's draft position could slide. He lost his coach and most of his offensive line, which could make for rough waters in their Pac-12 schedule. There is another QB in his conference that has a real shot at taking over the top spot in the 2012 NFL Draft.

As it stands today, Luck is likely the best looking QB prospect to come along since Peyton Manning...or at least since Aaron Rodgers. What needs to be added to that?

Season		G	ATT	COMP	YDS	INT	TDS	RATING
2009-10		12	288	162	2575	4	13	143.5
2010-11		13	372	263	3338	8	32	170.2
TOTAL		25	660	425	5913	12	45	158.5

Seattle Seahawks (via Cincinnati Bengals): Matt Barkley, QB USC

While it is still early in the preseason, Seattle appears to be even more strained at the QB position than most Seahawks fans feared...and that is saying something.

Pete Carroll and John Schneider appear to be building their team the right way. They are putting the building blocks into place to drop a franchise QB into the lineup. There is a small possibility that the Seahawks hit the jackpot with undrafted free agent Josh Portis, but fans shouldn't hold their breath.

Matt Barkley is joining the Seahawks for reasons beyond his exposure with Pete Carroll at USC. I have him mocked second because I don't have the nerve to put him first, which is where he very well could end up after the upcoming season. Barkley is younger than Luck and had a much worse supporting cast last season.  

He still posted great numbers and with another year of experience, is primed to make a push for top billing. Either way, the top few picks in the 2012 NFL Draft will have some outstanding QB prospects.

Season		G	ATT	COMP	YDS	INT	TDS	RATING
2009-10		12	352	211	2735	14	15	131.3
2010-11		12	377	236	2791	12	26	141.2
TOTAL		24	729	447	5526	26	41	136.4

Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy, DT Michigan State

In my June article, I listed Jerel Worthy as one of the non-QB players that could challenge for the top two selections in 2012. While the Broncos may be tempted to move up the draft board to snag another QB, they can strike gold in an enhancement to their new 4-3 defensive front.

Many thought the Broncos should have selected a defensive tackle last April. Von Miller was a bigger impact player in their eyes and Worthy could make them forget all about Dareus...was that his first name or last?

Carolina Panthers (via Washington Redskins): Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma State

While many fans believe the Panthers are ready for a breakout season, I see a team that will be starting a young QB without much to work with at receiver. That is why I was so critical of their draft, as there is a good chance they passed up on the opportunity to draft Andrew Luck in favor of Cam Newton.  

I don't see the Panthers taking a QB early three drafts in a row, so working a trade with the Redskins makes the most sense for the Panthers.

This may be a little high for a wide receiver, but the 2011 draft showed that teams are willing to give up a lot for a prospect at receiver if they feel he is the right fit.

Buffalo Bills: Quinton Coples, DE North Carolina

As tempting as Landry Jones might be, QB isn't the most pressing need on the Bills roster. Quinton Coples is an impact player and will look to improve on his 10 sack, 15.5 tackles for loss performance from 2010.

Arizona Cardinals: Matt Kalil, OT USC

It isn't that I don't buy into Kevin Kolb being a franchise QB. Well, I don't...but he has the potential to prove me wrong. He also isn't why I have the Cardinals drafting early again in 2012. 

The Cardinals need a major overhaul on their offensive line and have concerns at running back. Their youth could come through with the latter concern, but the Cardinals need to draft for some help on the line.

I could see the Panthers grabbing Matt Kalil to join bother Ryan on their offensive line. If he makes it out of the top five, the Cardinals simply have to draft him.

San Francisco 49ers: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama

This is a toss-up between a replacement for Anthony Davis at RT or anyone in the 49ers' secondary.  As tempted as I am to slot Jonathan Martin into this spot, I don't know that San Francisco (Trent Baalke) is willing to give up on his first draft pick yet.

Cleveland Browns: Jayron Hosley, CB Virginia Tech

There is a log-jam in my board at the corner spot. Stephon Gilmore, Alfonzo Dennard and Jayron Hosley are all possibilities in the top 10 in 2012.

At this point, Hosley is the front-runner, but that might change over the coming months.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Alfonzo Dennard, CB Nebraska

This would make Dennard the "turkey" at the CB position. For those that don't know basic bowling terminology, that wasn't an insult.

The Jaguars have a few issues that will hinder their progression in 2011 and corner is certainly near the top of that list.  

Dennard will be moving into the top-dog role in the Cornhuskers' secondary in 2011 and must show he can thrive when not playing with Prince Amukamara next to him.

Cincinnati Bengals (via Seattle Seahawks): Jonathan Martin, OT Stanford

The Bengals have a tough season ahead of them. They will either need to start a young QB that is yet to prove anything in the NFL or a rookie.

It might be tempting for the Bengals to stand pat with the second pick and look at a QB again. They might even be tempted to trade up to the top spot to grab Andrew Luck.  

However, the potential to trade down several spots and pick up a few high draft picks will likely prove to be too tempting to pass. Aside from the franchise being able to build with some youth, the front office can enjoy having several low-paid rookies on their franchise the last few seasons prior to implementation of the cap floor.

Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones, QB Oklahoma

Leaving Landry Jones on the board beyond the top-10 picks is difficult, as he should be drafted sooner.

However, most teams that have holes at the QB position filled them in 2011. There is a team or two that would be interested in snagging Luck or Barkley, but Jones isn't likely to make many teams give up on an established QB.

The Indianapolis Colts may make a play for a QB in 2012, as their future at the position is murky. The Dolphins definitely need an upgrade as well and that is what Jones will give them.

Minnesota Vikings: Riley Reiff, OT Iowa

The Vikings may need to consider moving up in the 2012 NFL Draft if they land outside of the top 10. They need to reinforce their offensive line, as they have concerns at left tackle and need to be thinking about how much longer "the Hutch" can man left guard.

Iowa is quickly becoming known for growing great corn and offensive linemen. Riley Reiff shouldn't be an exception.

Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore, CB South Carolina

The Dallas Cowboys fancy themselves a Super Bowl contender, but their offensive line and their secondary let them down immensely last season. By re-signing Doug Free and drafting Tyron Smith, they are headed in the right direction with one of those position groups.

Look for the Cowboys to continue a run on corners in the 2012 draft.

Detroit Lions: Vontaze Burfict, LB Arizona State

It was difficult for me to choose between Vontaze Burfict and Luke Kuechly back in June on the best young linebacker that will enter the 2012 draft. I went with Burfict, but that could change by the start of January.  

Both are quality prospects and the Lions need a long-term answer at middle linebacker. I don't believe Stephon Tulloch will be it and apparently the Lions don't either, or they would have worked on a contract longer than one season.

Houston Texans: Alshon Jeffery, WR South Carolina

The Texans need to bolster their receiving corps and having Alshon Jeffery available is almost too good to be true.

Oakland Raiders: Josh Gordon, WR Baylor

I can never decide if I really, really like projecting the draft pick for the Oakland Raiders or absolutely despise it. Apologies, Raider fans. You deserve better from me, but then again, you deserve a lot better from Al Davis. I'm assuming you are becoming accustomed to draft-related disappointment. 

The Raiders still need a dominant WR. I don't believe Josh Gordon is it, but he does run a 40 in about 4.42 seconds. That might be enough to make him a Raider.

Kansas City Chiefs: Cordy Glenn, OG Georgia

This may be early for Cordy Glenn, but I'm not sold on Brian Waters at left guard. The Chiefs really need to be looking at offensive tackle, but the top interior lineman may prove to be a better option than the fourth-best offensive tackle.  

Then again, I'm not completely sold on that either. If another OT makes a strong push in 2011, he could find himself on the Chiefs' roster.

Tennessee Titans: Jared Crick, DE Nebraska

The defensive end position is in flux for the Titans. They could also use some help with their offensive line, but this pick offers better value and is at a position of need.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Luke Kuechly, ILB Boston College

The Buccaneers are building what could be a dominant defense. A little help in the middle could be just what they need...and possibly a little late following the loss of Barrett Ruud.

Luke Kuechly brings a great blend of intelligence and athleticism to the field.

Chicago Bears: Jeff Fuller, WR Texas A&M

Jeff Fuller offers great size and solid speed for the Bears who are definitely in need of help at the receiver position.

St. Louis Rams: Trent Richardson, RB Alabama

Steven Jackson isn't a set of young legs any longer. Trent Richardson would be an ideal replacement, as he is a solid RB that can punish defenders. Richardson could end up being better than Ingram and the Rams may decide to move up a few spots to maker sure they are able to snag him.

If the Rams are able to make the playoffs and still draft someone with Richardson's talent, the NFC West will be on alert.

Indianapolis Colts: Nick Foles, QB Arizona

The Colts also need a WR, but with Fuller already off the board, it is time for Jim Irsay to establish a transition plan at QB. Actually, I thought that was last draft when I thought they should draft Ryan Mallett, but no time like the present.

San Diego Chargers: Donte Paige-Moss, OLB North Carolina

The Chargers added a few aging linebackers from their new defensive coordinator's old team. Look for them to plan for the future by snagging a player that can still do what Manny Lawson used to be able to accomplish.

That, and if Donte Paige-Moss is actually still available here he would be a great find. If he falls out of the top 15 or so, someone will be looking to jump up and grab him.

New York Giants: Zach Brown, OLB North Carolina

Zach Brown would likely be called on to work on the strong side of the Giants' defense, but he could be the best outside backer in this draft...if Paige-Moss is considered a DE.  

The Giants should jump if he is still on the board.

Green Bay Packers: Devin Taylor, OLB South Carolina

While it is starting to look a bit like OLBs were forgotten prior to this point, the draft order just so happens to lend itself to needing players at the position group late in the first round.

Devin Taylor should help out the Packers outside pass rush if Ricky Elmore doesn't impress this season.

New England Patriots (via New Orleans Saints): Ben Jones, C Georgia

Attempting to guess what the Patriots will do with their draft choices is a trying proposition. They will likely trade this pick, but just in case, I have them upgrading the interior of their offensive line.

This pick is a result of a trade during the 2011 draft.

New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, LB Alabama

Courtney Upshaw should be a versatile option in the NFL. The Jets may be a bit gun-shy following the Vernon Gholston experiment, but Upshaw will find a home in their defense.

Pittsburgh Steelers: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

The Steelers will continue to look long-term and value key positions. They are making strides on their offensive line, but guard still looks to be the biggest weakness on the team.

Cleveland Browns (via Atlanta Falcons): Dont'a Hightower, LB Alabama

The Browns can use their extra pick from the 2011 draft to continue to improve their defense. Dont'a Hightower figures to be able to fill a middle or an outside backer slot in the NFL.

Baltimore Ravens: Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame

The Ravens are a team I can see making a Super Bowl appearance at the conclusion of the 2012 season if they are able to answer their questions at receiver. They made a trade to shore up this position, but it doesn't figure to be enough to get them past the New England Patriots.

Look for the Ravens to look at wide receiver in April's draft.

Philadelphia Eagles: Alameda Ta'amu, DT Washington

Some fans will say I've bought in to the Eagles' hype, while others will say I've jumped on their bandwagon.

I look at it as simply recognizing the talent the team is able to attract. The fact that so many top players are wanting to play for the Eagles...and are willing to do so at a reduced salary...speaks highly of where the organization is headed.

The Eagles may not quite remember how the draft works. After all, this offseason they've just been deciding what player they want and calling him up on the phone and telling him he is going to be an Eagle.

Wait...nevermind.

New England Patriots: Mohamed Sanu, WR Rutgers

Yawn...the Patriots win another Super Bowl. As much as many fans would like to see a different team take home the Lombardi trophy, the Patriots seem to be stockpiling talent almost as quickly as the Eagles.

The Patriots still need to be looking long-term at the wide receiver positions, but they are a little too far down the food chain for first-round options at this point. Perhaps they will have a trade in the works to move up for a change.