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Mock Draft 2012
Skill positions dominate top six picks
By Bucky Brooks | NFL.com
Analyst
Published: Jan. 27, 2012 at 01:43 p.m.
With the Senior Bowl wrapping up and all of the head-coaching vacancies filled, it's time to take a fresh look at how the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft might shake out on April 26.
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The Colts are ushering in a new era behind general manager Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano. Luck gives them the franchise quarterback to build around if Peyton Manning doesn't return.
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The Rams have to surround Sam Bradford with better weapons in the passing game to foster his development. Blackmon is a talented playmaker in the mold of Terrell Owens with the running skills to be a No. 1 receiver in Brian Schottenheimer's version of the West Coast offense.
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If the Vikings want Christian Ponder to reach his potential, they must improve the protection around him. Kalil is a franchise-caliber offensive tackle adept at shadowing quick rushers off the edge.
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The jury is still out on Colt McCoy's potential as a franchise quarterback, but the addition of Richardson would certainly alleviate some of the pressure on him to carry the offense.
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New head coach Greg Schiano has a defensive background, so he will certainly appreciate the presence of a premier corner like Claiborne. The Bucs could move on from the troublesome Aqib Talib or create a formidable cornerback tandem to compete against the NFC South's high-powered offenses.
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To compete in the NFC East, the Redskins must identify a franchise quarterback. Griffin has all the tools to be a special playmaker in the pocket. Shanahan's movement-based passing game is a great fit for his talent, and the Redskins need a difference-maker on offense.
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After dominating the competition at the Senior Bowl, Coples' stock is on the rise as the premier defensive end in the 2012 draft. Although questions persist about his motor following his uninspired performance as a senior, his dismantling of elite offensive tackles in Mobile will certainly force the Jaguars to consider him as a potential force on the edge.
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The Panthers have a pressing need at cornerback, but Dre Kirkpatrick's legal issues could prompt Carolina to look elsewhere at this pick. Reiff provides insurance against another extended absence from Jeff Otah and gives the team a potential successor to Jordan Gross down the road.
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Joe Philbin's decision to install a 4-3 defense places a premium on finding a disruptive defensive end to pair opposite Cameron Wake. Ingram was one of the best rushers at the Senior Bowl and his athletic rush skills would give the Dolphins a dynamic duo on the edges.
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The Bills are still looking to fill the void created by the loss of Jason Peters a few seasons ago. Martin is an athletic edge blocker with the agility and movement skills to shadow rushers in isolated matchups, which would free up Ryan Fitzpatrick to take more shots down the field.
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The Chiefs would love to fortify their line at right tackle, but nabbing a skilled interior blocker would certainly improve the team's sagging running game.
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This pick certainly stands out as a surprise, considering Boston Collge's Luke Kuechly is a more accomplished player, but Brown's speed and athleticism drew rave reviews at the Senior Bowl. He would upgrade the explosiveness of the Seahawks' linebacker corps.
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The Cardinals have a pressing need at offensive tackle, which could put Ohio State OT Mike Adams in play, but their defense desperately needs a playmaker on the inside to complement Daryl Washington. Kuechly is a tackling machine with the instincts to own the middle, and his presence should neutralize some of the success opponents found on the ground.
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After watching the Cowboys' secondary give up big play after big play, Jerry Jones will look to the draft to find a quality corner. Kirkpatrick possesses the size, length and range to contend with the explosive receivers that rule the NFC East.
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The Eagles typically use high picks on offensive or defensive linemen, and their struggles against the run could prompt them to take this hulking defensive tackle. Still will command double-teams in the middle and allow the Eagles' young linebackers to run and chase freely to the ball.
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The Jets desperately need a pass rusher to help their defense return to the ranks of the elite. Upshaw's motor and relentlessness will allow Rex Ryan to scale back the risky blitzing in critical situations.
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The Bengals would love to have the best cornerback at the Senior Bowl fall to them in the middle of the first round. Jenkins is an aggressive ball hawk with the skills to complement Leon Hall in the starting lineup.
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Adams was one of the most impressive offensive linemen at the Senior Bowl and has the ability to become an immediate starter at left tackle, if Marcus McNeill is unable to return to health.
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The promotion of Mike Tice from offensive line coach to offensive coordinator could lead to serious consideration of an offensive guard at this pick, but the need to get Jay Cutler more weapons is a top priority. Floyd is a potential No.1 receiver in the mold of Larry Fitzgerald, making him a significant upgrade over the Bears' current set of receivers.
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The declining production of Chris Johnson will lead the Titans' brass to take a serious look at the performance of their interior line. Glenn is a rugged interior blocker adept at moving defenders off the ball, paving the way for more big runs from CJ2K.
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Cedric Benson is starting to show signs of slippage, so Marvin Lewis could opt to replace him with a younger feature back. Wilson is a home-run threat with exceptional speed and quickness, and his explosiveness would provide a nice complement to Andy Dalton and A.J. Green.
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The Browns need to add more explosiveness to the lineup at the skill positions. Wright is a dynamic playmaker with the speed to stretch the defense, and his presence would help McCoy produce more plays in the passing game.
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The declining play of Kyle Vanden Bosch and free agent status of Cliff Avril could lead the Lions to make a play for the most productive sack artist in college football last season. Although some have labeled Mercilus as a one-year wonder, his production and athleticism are tough to ignore.
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The Steelers have a strong reputation for grooming young players for pivotal roles. Barron would give the team an instinctive defender to groom behind Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark.
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John Fox will continue to fortify the Broncos' defense by adding a disruptive three-technique to a lineup that already features a pair of destructive pass rushers in Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil.
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Wade Phillips would love to have a bedrock in the middle of the line to allow DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing to flow freely to the ball. Poe is one of the strongest defensive tackles in the draft, and his ability occupy blockers will take the Texans' defense to another level.
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Bill Belichick has been searching for a disruptive defensive tackle since he traded away Richard Seymour a few years ago. Brockers possesses the length and athleticism to harass the quarterback as a five-technique, and his upside makes him a viable option at this pick.
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The Packers missed Cullen Jenkins' presence on the interior, so finding a quality replacement could be a priority in the first round. Cox is a versatile interior defender with the size and athleticism to provide a pass rush from the five-technique spot.
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After watching Matt Birk struggle against Vince Wilfork in the AFC Championship Game, the Ravens realize the need to get a more physical presence at the pivot. Konz has been the centerpiece of a Wisconsin running game that has routinely pummeled opponents, and his aggressiveness will help Ray Rice remain an effective runner between the tackles.
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The 49ers need more weapons in the passing game to become perennial contenders in the NFC. Sanu has been productive as a No. 1 receiver for the Scarlet Knights and will serve as an ideal complement opposite Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree in the 49ers' system.
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The Giants' defensive struggles during the regular season can be attributed to their lack of depth and talent at linebacker. Hightower would give the unit a bigger presence on the interior, improving its effectiveness against the run.
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Bill Belichick has ignored the Patriots' glaring need for a pass rusher in recent drafts, but Branch's combination of speed and athleticism could be enticing. The Clemson star was a dominant force off the edge as a senior, and appears to have the skills to be a double-digit sack artist as a pro.
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