NFL SB46 Yth Raising the Barhd NEW YORK GIANTS
39.99
Mock Draft 2012
Luck to Colts; Griffin to Redskins
By Bucky Brooks | NFL.com
Analyst
Published: Jan. 17, 2012 at 04:25 a.m.
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The Colts can stabilize their quarterback situation for the next decade by taking Luck with the No.1 pick. He can serve as an apprentice behind a healthy Peyton Manning for a few seasons or immediately step in as the new franchise quarterback if No. 18 is unable to return.
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The Rams need to give Sam Bradford more weapons to foster his development. Blackmon is a Terrell Owens-like playmaker with a refined game who should help make an immediate impact as a No. 1 receiver.
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The Vikings' offensive line woes threaten to hinder the development of Christian Ponder, so nabbing a franchise-caliber offensive tackle is sensible at this point. Kalil's polished game and gritty demeanor could lead to all-star accolades early in his career.
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If Pat Shurmur decides Colt McCoy is the answer at quarterback, the Browns would be wise to add a punishing runner like Richardson to the backfield. His ability to carry the load would alleviate some of the burden on McCoy and create big-play opportunities in the passing game off play-action.
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The departure of Raheem Morris could mean the end of the road for troublesome Aqib Talib despite his impressive cover skills. Claiborne is the premier corner in the draft, and he would certainly fill the role as the Bucs' No. 1 corner.
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After watching the Rex Grossman/John Beck debacle, Mike Shanahan has to find a franchise quarterback for the Redskins to move forward. Griffin possesses big-time potential as a dual-threat playmaker, and the Redskins' movement-based passing game could make him an instant star.
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The Jaguars have spent countless picks attempting to address their pass rush in recent years, but Coples could finally provide the answer with his unique skill set.
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The Panthers were competitive in Ron Rivera's first season, but their inability to get late-game stops kept them from winning close games. Kirkpatrick's suffocating cover skills would address their need at cornerback, and allow Rivera to utilize more of the blitz schemes he prefers.
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Finding a franchise quarterback is certainly the Dolphins' top priority, but the price of jumping up to grab Luck or Griffin could force them to find a solution in free agency. Reiff addresses their need at right tackle and gives the Dolphins a solid set of bookend tackles to build around for the future.
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The departure of Jason Peters a few seasons ago has left a huge hole on the Bills' offensive line. Martin fills the void with his size, athleticism and skill, and becomes Ryan Fitzpatrick's best friend as his new backside protector.
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Romeo Crennel's defense came on like gangbusters at the end of the season, but still needs a tackling machine to pair alongside Derrick Johnson. Kuechly has a nose for the ball and his steady game is the perfect complement inside.
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If Pete Carroll is committed to running the ball with Marshawn Lynch, he has to continue to upgrade the Seahawks' interior line to provide his star with running room. DeCastro is a monster at the point of attack, and he plays with a hard-nosed demeanor that should make him a favorite of Tom Cable.
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Ray Horton built a respectable defensive unit in his first season, but the lack of a consistent pass rush limited his ability to attack. Upshaw is an explosive rusher built in the mold of Lamarr Woodley, making him a natural fit in the Cardinals' version of the 3-4.
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The Cowboys' secondary woes are real, but Rob Ryan needs another pass rusher to align opposite DeMarcus Ware to fully incorporate his blitz-happy schemes.
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The uncertainty surrounding DeSean Jackson's contract status could prompt the Eagles to snatch the most explosive WR in the draft.
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If Rex Ryan is committed to returning to "Ground and Pound" football, he needs to add a dynamic runner to the mix. Wilson is shifty on the edges, but he also displays the toughness to grind it out between the tackles.
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The Bengals secondary struggled down the stretch after losing Leon Hall to a season-ending injury. Hall is scheduled to return next season, but a playmaker like Jenkins would certainly help the Bengals create more turnovers.
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Kris Dielman's potential retirement makes fortifying the offensive line a top priority for A.J. Smith. Glenn has displayed the versatility to play tackle, but he's ideally suited to play inside.
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It's time for the Bears to give Jay Cutler a legitimate No. 1 receiver to help the offense become more explosive. Floyd is an acrobatic pass catcher in the mold of Larry Fitzgerald, making him a tremendous upgrade over the Bears' current crop of mediocre WRs.
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The Titans defense has not been the same since losing Albert Haynesworth in the middle. Still possesses the size and strength to control the point of attack, which will immediately improve the Titans' woes against the run.
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The Bengals' rebuilt offense could use a feature runner with the speed and burst to take it the distance. Miller is a Clinton Portis clone with exceptional running skills who is capable of filling the role as a full-time back.
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The Browns need to continue to become more athletic along their front seven, especially at linebacker. Brown is one of the fastest linebackers in the draft and his ability to serve as a pass rusher in nickel situations is a plus.
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This is a bit of a "boom or bust" pick due to Mercilus' status as a one-year wonder, but it's hard to bypass an athletic rusher with proven production. He led the nation with 16 sacks and could be a possible replacement for Cliff Avril should he depart in free agency.
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Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark are beginning to show signs of decline, so it's time for the Steelers to find a young replacement. Barron is a natural ball hawk with a high football IQ, and his skills are an ideal fit in the Steelers' zone-blitz scheme.
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John Fox needs to continue rebuilding the Broncos defense by fortifying the interior with a disruptive three-technique. Worthy's athleticism complements Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil, and dramatically improves the front line.
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Wade Phillips already has transformed the Texans into a defensive juggernaut, but the unit still needs a bedrock in the middle to maximize its potential. Poe is an immovable force at the point of attack, and him controlling the middle will allow Brian Cushing and Demeco Ryans to flow freely to the ball.
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The Patriots defense hasn't been right since Richard Seymour's departure. Cow possesses the length and athleticism to thrive as a five-technique in Bill Belichick's hybrid scheme.
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Clay Matthews has been the Packers' lone threat off the edge the past two seasons, so this could be the time for Ted Thompson to use a high pick to find a competent bookend. Branch's combination of speed and athleticism fits well within the Packers' scheme, and his ability to create disruption is desperately needed for a defense that took a step back this year.
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The Giants' defensive struggles during the regular season could be attributed to their lack of depth and talent at linebacker. Hightower would give the unit a big, physical presence in the interior, while improving their effectiveness against the run.
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Matt Birk is nearing the end of a great career, and the Ravens have the opportunity to nab a quality replacement with this pick. Konz possesses the skill and talent to be a first-year starter, but serving an apprenticeship for a season will only assist in his overall development.
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The 49ers need to surround Alex Smith with more weapons in the passing game. Sanu has been a productive performer as the No.1 receiver for the Scarlet Knights, but could serve as the ideal complement opposite Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree in the 49ers’ system.
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Bill Belichick has struggled finding quality corners in recent drafts, but that shouldn’t prevent the Patriots from taking a chance on Dennard. The diminutive corner has a sound all-around game, and his competitive demeanor fits in well in the locker room.
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